Event Overview — UFC 324
- Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC lightweight title. (dazn.com)
- Date & Venue: Saturday, 24 January 2026 at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, USA. (ESPN)
- This card also includes key fights such as Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong and Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta on the main card. (Oddschecker.com)
UK Start Times (GMT)
Because UFC events are based in the United States, the timings are late night / early morning UK time:
Preliminaries & Early Bouts
- Early prelims: ~10:00 pm GMT (Saturday). (Yahoo Sports)
- Prelim card: ~12:00 am GMT (Sunday). (Yahoo Sports)
Main Card (Including Gaethje vs. Pimblett)
- Main card begins: ~02:00 am GMT on Sunday 25 January. (Oddschecker.com)
- Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (main event) is expected around ~04:00 am to 06:00 am GMT, depending on earlier fight lengths and finishes. (Oddschecker.com)
Because UFC cards run live, the exact walk-out time for the main event can vary — if earlier fights finish quickly, the main event may come earlier; if they go the distance, it can run later. (Oddschecker.com)
Where to Watch in the UK
- TNT Sports Box Office: UFC 324 is available live via TNT Sports Box Office (pay-per-view) in the UK. (Eurosport)
- It can be purchased on platforms including discovery+, Sky, Prime Video, EE TV and Virgin Media TV (priced around £19.99). (Eurosport)
- Coverage: Includes the early prelims, prelims and main card on the event night as they unfold live. (Eurosport)
What to Expect From the Fight Card
Here’s the main card order & approximate UK timings: (Oddschecker.com)
| Fight | Approx UK Time (GMT) |
|---|---|
| Main Card Begins | 02:00 am |
| Arnold Allen vs Jean Silva — Featherweight | ~02:00–02:30 am |
| Natalia Silva vs Rose Namajunas — Women’s Flyweight | ~02:30–03:00 am |
| Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs Derrick Lewis — Heavyweight | ~03:00–03:30 am |
| Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong — Bantamweight | ~03:30–04:00 am |
| Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett — Interim Lightweight | ~04:00–04:30 am* |
*Timing can shift depending on earlier bout durations. (Oddschecker.com)
What’s at Stake
- The interim lightweight title is up for grabs — with the winner positioned for a future shot at the undisputed champion once they return. (ESPN)
- Gaethje is a seasoned contender with a fierce pressure style, while Pimblett carries major fan momentum as a British favourite. (dazn.com)
Fan & Media Reaction
- There’s significant buzz around this being one of the UFC’s biggest events of the early year, with UK fans especially tuning in for Pimblett’s headline moment. (ESPN.com)
- The fight has generated wide media coverage due to the clash of styles and the interim title implication. (dazn.com)
Here’s a case-study and commentary–style breakdown of UFC 324: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett, focusing on the UK start time, key fight details, results, and reactions from fans and fighters alike:
Case Study 1: UK Start Time & Scheduling Realities
Confirmed UK timing for UFC 324:
- Main card start: ≈ 2:00 am GMT on Sunday 25 January 2026. (Oddschecker.com)
- Pimblett vs Gaethje walk-outs: Estimated 5:00 am – 6:00 am GMT (depends on earlier fights). (Oddschecker.com)
- Prelims & early bouts: Early prelims ~10:00–11:00 pm; Prelims ~midnight. (Oddschecker.com)
Context: Because UFC events are held in the USA (Las Vegas for UFC 324), UK viewers face a late-night/early-morning schedule, with the main event usually landing in the small hours of Sunday. Many UK fans plan around this — setting alarms or watching highlights later — illustrating how time zones shape live viewing behaviour. (Oddschecker.com)
Fan reaction: UK-based MMA community threads show mixed feelings — some are excited to stay up, others plan to sleep then watch later because of the early start. (Reddit)
Case Study 2: Fight Outcome & Post-Fight Commentary
The headline bout lived up to expectations in intensity and drama:
Result
- Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to win the interim lightweight title at UFC 324. (mmamania.com)
Fight context
- The bout was action-packed, with both fighters trading heavy shots and displaying great resilience. (Talksport)
- Pimblett was dropped multiple times and sustained facial cuts in the battle, leading to medical checks after the fight. (The Sun)
Pimblett’s reaction
- Despite the loss (his first in the UFC), Pimblett was gracious and self-aware in his post-fight comments. He acknowledged Gaethje’s legend status, noted that he “thought 48-47 was a fair scorecard”, and vowed to return improved. (Yahoo Sports)
- Pimblett’s resilience — fighting through adversity and completing all five rounds — drew praise even in defeat, hinting at a learning experience rather than a setback. (Yahoo Sports)
Gaethje’s remarks
- Gaethje criticised Pimblett’s pre-fight psychological approach, arguing that overconfidence can cost fighters at this level. He also shared encouraging words, reflecting that early career losses helped his development too. (ESPN.com)
- Gaethje immediately called for a unification fight against champion Ilia Topuria, showing his focus is already shifting forward. (mmamania.com)
Case Study 3: Broader Reactions and Commentary
Expert & peer commentary:
- Some fighters and commentators weighed in with strong opinions: Arman Tsarukyan criticised both Gaethje and Pimblett, calling Gaethje past his prime and questioning Pimblett’s top-tier status. (MMA Fighting)
- Ilia Topuria himself mocked both men — despite congratulating Gaethje — setting up a potential future narrative for the lightweight title picture. (MMA Fighting)
Fan platform reactions:
- Some fans expressed fatigue with early morning UFC viewing experiences, often dominated by ads or pacing delays between fights, especially in live discussion threads. (Reddit)
- Other threads focused on the tactical battle and despite the late hours, many enjoyed the high-paced back-and-forth nature of the main event. (Reddit)
Key Takeaways
UK start time understanding: For UK viewers, UFC 324’s main card begins around 2 am GMT, with the main event likely landing in the 5 am–6 am window. (Oddschecker.com)
Performance and outcome: Gaethje’s win reinforces his veteran resilience and opens up big future fights; Pimblett’s performance, while ending in defeat, is seen as a learning and character-building experience. (Yahoo Sports)
Reactions: Comments span from professional analysis to fan-community frustrations about timing and broadcast experiences — showing how modern UFC events generate multi-layered engagement well beyond the Octagon. (Reddit)