Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett: Date, start time, location and full card for UFC 324 interim title clash

Nov 28, 2025 - 17:30

Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are headlining the first UFC numbered event of 2026.

The rivals are set to go head-to-head for the UFC interim lightweight title in January.

Pimblett and Gaethje are both one fight from challenging the division’s champion

Gaethje is coming off of a win against Rafael Fiziev in April, which cemented his name in contention for the UFC lightweight crown.

‘The Highlight’ is hoping to reclaim the interim title that he previously held for five months in 2020, before losing it in his first defence against Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Meanwhile, Pimblett has been vying for his chance to challenge for gold at 155lbs after he dominated Michael Chandler in April.

Should the Liverpudlian overcome Gaethje, he will finally have the opportunity to fight his long-term rival Ilia Topuria.

As it stands, Pimblett is just one spot below the American on the UFC lightweight rankings and is eager to continue his ascent to the top.

The pair are set to kick-off an exciting year in MMA’s leading promotion.

Gaethje vs Pimblett: Date and where to watch

Their fight will take place on January 24, 2026.

The venue for the bout is the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

All of the action from UFC 324 will be streaming on Paramount+, which fans can access as part of their regular Paramount+ subscription.

The memberships are priced at £4.99 a month for the basic plan with ads, £7.99 a month for the standard ad-free plan, and £10.99 a month for the premium plan.

Pimblett is out to prove himself as a worthy challenger for his nemesis as he takes on Gaethje

Alternatively, talkSPORT and talkSPORT.com will be providing updates throughout the event.

Gaethje vs Pimblett: Timings

The early prelims will kick off at 5pm ET/10pm GMT.

The prelim coverage will start at 7pm ET/12am GMT.

The main card will take place at an all-new start time of 9pm ET, which will be 2am GMT for UK fans.

Gaethje vs Pimblett: Undercard

MAIN EVENT: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett – Lightweight interim title
Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes – Women’s bantamweight title fight
Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong
Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis
Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva
Alexa Grasso vs Rose Namajunas
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Deiveson Figueiredo
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev

Gaethje vs Pimblett: What’s been said?

UFC President and CEO Dana White said: “Saturday, January 24th in Las Vegas kicks off this incredible partnership with Paramount.

Topuria after winning his second UFC title in June by knocking out Charles Oliveira

Topuria confirmed he won’t be fighting in the first quarter of the year, but is expected to fight the winner of Gaethje vs Pimblett upon his return[/caption]

“I am so excited for UFC fans that our first card has six current and former champions, including the long-awaited return of the greatest female fighter of all time – which is definitely the biggest women’s fight ever.

“Also, in the main event we have Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title to see who will face Ilia Topuria later this year on Paramount+.

“This card is absolutely stacked – every fight is a must-see.

“This deal is such a huge win for fans with no more pay-per-view.

“I look forward to 2026 being our best year ever.”