Who fights tonight UFC? Fight fans across the United States are tuning in tonight for UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett, a major mixed martial arts event taking place on January 24, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event marks one of the first big fight nights of the year and the UFC’s debut under its new broadcast arrangement that brings numbered events to streaming audiences. The card features a full slate of compelling matchups filled with top contenders, veteran stars, and rising prospects.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of every confirmed fight scheduled for tonight’s event, why each matchup matters, and what to expect as fight night unfolds.
A New Broadcast Era Begins
Tonight’s UFC event represents a shift in how fans consume UFC numbered cards in the U.S., as the promotion brings its premium fight nights to a streaming platform instead of traditional pay-per-view. The main card is set to begin at 9 p.m. Eastern Time, following preliminary and early preliminary bouts earlier in the evening. The venue for the event is the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, a regular home for the sport’s biggest shows.
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett — Interim Lightweight Title
Headlining the card is a high-stakes clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship. Both fighters enter with distinct styles and momentum:
- Justin Gaethje is a veteran striker known for his aggressive pace and powerful leg kicks. With a long UFC career and multiple performance bonuses, he brings championship experience into this bout.
- Paddy Pimblett arrives as a fan favorite with a growing reputation for dynamic striking and charisma. This fight represents the biggest test of his lightweight career to date.
The winner of this matchup could be in line for future title unification or major positioning in the deep and competitive lightweight division.
Co-Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong — Bantamweight Battle
In the co-main event tonight, former bantamweight titleholder Sean O’Malley faces off against rising contender Song Yadong. Both fighters are elite strikers with contrasting approaches:
- O’Malley is a polished technician with precision striking and a sharp creative style.
- Yadong, known for his toughness and well-rounded skill set, brings high energy and resilience.
This fight has serious implications for the bantamweight title picture, with the winner likely moving closer to a championship opportunity.
Remaining Main Card Matchups
The rest of the main card features a diverse set of compelling fights across multiple divisions:
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis — A heavyweight matchup between the Dominican knockout specialist Cortes-Acosta and veteran power puncher Lewis.
- Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas — Two skilled flyweights square off, blending technical striking and grappling savvy.
- Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva — Featherweights with sharp stand-up and creative submissions bring action to this bout.
These matchups fill the main card with experience, rising talent, and tactical battles that showcase the depth of the UFC roster.
Preliminary Card Action
Before the main card, a mix of standout fights in the prelims gives fans plenty to watch:
- Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo — A bantamweight matchup featuring slick grappling and explosive striking.
- Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev — Middleweights with knockout potential.
- Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas — Light heavyweights looking to climb divisional ranks.
- Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson — Fast-paced flyweights aiming for victory.
Early Preliminary Fights Worth Watching
The early prelims include more bouts that provide exciting fight night buildup:
- Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez — Lightweight veterans trading strikes and wrestling.
- Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman — Heavyweight prospects clash with power on display.
- Ty Miller vs. Adam Fugitt — Welterweights ready to make noise early in the card.
These early contests often showcase future stars and give fighters a platform to impress matchmakers.
Weigh-In Incident and Card Update
In the final hours leading up to fight night, a scheduled bantamweight matchup between Cameron Smotherman and Ricky Turcios was canceled after Smotherman collapsed during weigh-ins. Medical personnel attended to him immediately, and the bout was removed from the card. The rest of tonight’s fights remain confirmed and ready for competition.
What’s at Stake Tonight
Tonight’s event carries significance across multiple divisions. The interim lightweight title bout headlines the show and adds drama to a historically deep weight class. The co-main event impacts the bantamweight hierarchy. Meanwhile, the rest of the lineup features fighters with real ambitions to elevate their UFC standing and chase ranking relevance.
Viewing Guide for U.S. Fans
For viewers in the United States, tonight’s event is available via streaming beginning with early prelims and leading into the main card. With high-profile matchups, unique stylistic clashes, and championship stakes, tonight promises to deliver action from start to finish.
Final Thoughts on UFC 324 Tonight
Whether you’re focused on the title fight in the main event or tracking rising contenders throughout the card, UFC 324 offers an exciting blend of martial arts competition with real consequences for fighters across divisions.
Let us know which fight you’re most excited about and stay tuned for the results as the action unfolds tonight — comment below and join the conversation.