The UFC returns on January 24th after a six-week break, and UFC 324 looks set to open the year in emphatic fashion. The card features an interim lightweight title fight, major bouts in the bantamweight and featherweight divisions, and a heavyweight matchup that could end at any moment.
With former champions, rising contenders, and career-defining fights throughout, UFC 324 offers a strong start to the year.
UFC 324 Main Event
Headlining the card is former interim lightweight champion Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, who faces Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett in a pivotal clash at 155 pounds.
Gaethje has shared the octagon with the division’s elite. His résumé includes wins over Dustin Poirier, Michael Chandler, Rafael Fiziev, and Tony Ferguson. However, he has fallen short in undisputed title bouts, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. At this stage of his career, opportunities to reach UFC gold are narrowing, making this fight critical.
A win over Pimblett would place Gaethje next in line for a title shot. A loss could close the door on one final championship run.
Pimblett, meanwhile, remains unbeaten in the UFC. He has won all seven of his bouts, showcasing a mix of submissions, knockouts, and decision victories. While he has suffered defeats earlier in his career outside the promotion, his UFC run has been flawless so far.
Recent victories over Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler suggest Pimblett is ready for higher-level opposition. However, Gaethje represents a clear step up in durability, pressure, and experience.
This matchup pits proven elite experience against momentum and youth. Will Gaethje’s power and grit prevail, or will Pimblett’s rise continue?
UFC 324 Co-Main Event
The co-main event has undergone a late change. Originally set to feature Kayla Harrison against Amanda Nunes, the bout was scrapped after Harrison suffered a neck injury. In its place, former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley faces Song Yadong.
O’Malley enters the fight following back-to-back title losses to Merab Dvalishvili. With the championship landscape shifting, he now looks to work his way back into contention. Having already beaten the current champion before, a rematch with Petr Yan is the eventual goal, but first, he must overcome a dangerous and durable opponent.
Song Yadong, despite being just 28, has extensive UFC experience. He has competed in the promotion since 2017 and holds an 11-3-1 record. While he has fallen short against top contenders such as Cory Sandhagen and Petr Yan, he continues to hover near the division’s elite.
This fight represents a crossroads. O’Malley aims to revive his title ambitions, while Yadong seeks his first genuine path toward UFC gold.
Other Notable Fights
A heavyweight clash between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Derrick Lewis adds knockout potential to the card. Lewis remains one of the most dangerous finishers in UFC history, with 16 of his 20 UFC wins coming by knockout. Cortes-Acosta also carries power and tends to favour striking exchanges, making this a volatile matchup.
At featherweight, Arnold Allen faces Jean Silva in a bout with ranking implications. Allen has competed in the UFC since 2015 and has only been defeated by elite opposition, including Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev. Silva enters in search of redemption after coming off a stoppage loss to Diego Lopes.
For Silva, this fight offers a chance to re-enter the title conversation. For Allen, it is an opportunity to edge closer to his first championship opportunity.
Final Thoughts
UFC 324 blends established names with rising talent across multiple divisions. With an interim title on the line, former champions fighting for relevance, and contenders looking to break through, the card carries significant implications beyond the night itself.
Below you can watch the UFC 324 Gatheje vs Pimblett fight promo: