Paramount+ to Exclusively Stream UFC 324 Featuring Pimblett vs. Gaethje in 2026

Paramount and UFC Announce Historic Partnership with UFC 324 Headlined by Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje

Paramount and UFC have announced a landmark partnership that makes Paramount+ the exclusive streaming home of UFC events in the U.S. and Latin America starting in 2026. The first live event under this deal, UFC 324, will take place on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas and feature high-profile championship bouts including an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.

• Paramount+ becomes the exclusive broadcaster of all UFC marquee events and Fight Nights in the U.S. and Latin America with no additional pay-per-view fees.
• UFC 324 main event: Interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett.
• Co-main event features women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison defending against UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes.
• The event marks a new era with multiple title fights and the long-awaited return of Amanda Nunes since 2023.
• The event will be available live on Paramount+ with extensive marketing support from Paramount across multiple media platforms.

Paramount and UFC Forge New Exclusive Streaming Partnership

On November 27, 2025, Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, and UFC jointly announced a historic new partnership making Paramount+ the exclusive home for UFC events in the United States and Latin America. This collaboration heralds an important shift in access for UFC fans, as pay-per-view costs will be eliminated, and all marquee numbered events plus UFC Fight Night cards in these territories will be accessible via a Paramount+ subscription with no additional fees.

To launch this new era, UFC 324 will be streamed live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on January 24, 2026. This event will be the first of 13 marquee numbered UFC events scheduled for the new year. The main card starts at 9 p.m. ET with preliminary bouts available earlier, all aired exclusively on Paramount+.

UFC 324: A Night of Championship Glory

The headlining fight of UFC 324 features a highly anticipated interim lightweight title bout between former interim champion and BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje and Liverpool fan favorite Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. This fight arises due to current undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s temporary hiatus from competition in early 2026 due to personal reasons.

The co-main event features a clash for the women’s bantamweight title between current champion Kayla Harrison and UFC Hall of Famer Amanda Nunes, marking Nunes' return to the Octagon for the first time since 2023. This matchup is considered one of the biggest women's bouts ever staged by UFC.

Additional fights include Matchups between top contenders Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong, heavyweight contest Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis, featherweights Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva, and women’s flyweight title contenders Alexa Grasso vs. Rose Namajunas, among others. These bouts showcase a mix of current champions, former champions, and rising stars, making the card stacked with must-see action.

Paddy Pimblett: Rising Star and Contender

Since his debut in 2021, Paddy Pimblett has been vocal about his ambition to become a UFC champion. Although his rapid ascent to a title shot surprised some critics—such as New Zealand lightweight Dan Hooker, who suggested Pimblett was "cherry-picked"—the UFC’s business model favors compelling, entertaining fighters who bring excitement and draw fan engagement.

Pimblett remains undefeated in UFC with seven wins, featuring a balance of knockouts and submissions demonstrating his versatility inside the Octagon. His momentum recently peaked with impressive performances over notable veterans including Michael Chandler and Bobby Green. UFC commentator Jon Anik acclaimed Pimblett’s arrival to the sport’s "elite."

Despite criticisms regarding the caliber of his opponents, Pimblett’s popularity transcends his fight record due to his charismatic personality and advocacy on issues like men’s mental health. UFC 324 presents his first opportunity to win UFC gold, a milestone he is determined to reach.

The Business Strategy Behind the Title Bout

Pimblett’s elevation to the interim lightweight title fight also coincides with Paramount+’s new exclusive broadcast deal, underscoring how the UFC balances sport with entertainment business imperatives. Placing one of their brightest young stars headlining on a major new platform aims to maximize viewership and subscriber engagement.

Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje’s selection as Pimblett’s opponent is notable for his pedigree and fan-friendly aggressive fighting style. Having threatened retirement if overlooked for a title shot, Gaethje provides a stern test with a proven record of delivering explosive bouts.

Other contenders like Arman Tsarukyan, ranked No. 1 in the lightweight division, have expressed frustration over being bypassed for the interim title fight. However, the UFC has opted for a matchup with star appeal and narrative intrigue, including the brewing personal rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria ahead of a potential unification bout.

Marketing and Access: Paramount+ Embraces UFC Content

Paramount has launched a robust 360° marketing campaign leveraging its extensive media network spanning Paramount+, CBS, cable TV, outdoor advertising, cinema advertising, digital, and social platforms to promote UFC. This comprehensive campaign began with a brand spot debuting during major Thanksgiving sports programming and continues throughout the weekend to ensure maximum visibility.

Fans in Australia will also benefit, with preliminary fights for marquee events and all 30 UFC Fight Night events included as part of the Paramount+ subscription.

The Road Ahead: Anticipation for UFC 324 and Beyond

Tickets for UFC 324 went on sale December 12, 2025, and include VIP experience packages offering premium seating, hospitality, and fighter meet-and-greets.

The January 24 event is set to be a landmark occasion not only for its stacked fight card but also as the inaugural UFC event under the exclusive Paramount+ streaming partnership. UFC President Dana White predicts 2026 will be "our best year ever," promising fans an exciting lineup with six current and former champions featured on the card.

Paddy Pimblett embodies this new energy and excitement as he seeks to capture the interim lightweight title and potentially unify it with Topuria’s belt later in the year, a scenario that could mark one of the biggest UFC fights involving a British fighter in history.

Conclusion

The Paramount-UFC partnership ushers in a new era for mixed martial arts fans in the U.S. and Latin America by removing pay-per-view barriers and providing access to all major events via Paramount+. UFC 324's stacked card, highlighted by Pimblett vs. Gaethje and Harrison vs. Nunes, reflects the UFC’s dual commitment to sport and entertainment, leveraging star power and compelling storylines to engage audiences. As 2026 kicks off, anticipation builds for what promises to be a landmark year in UFC history.