Combat Sports
UFC Makes Paramount+ Debut This Weekend With Stacked Fight Card
Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett headlines the UFC’s first event on Paramount+ as the promotion enters a new streaming era
The UFC officially enters a new broadcast chapter this weekend as the promotion debuts on Paramount+, delivering a loaded fight card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett.
Saturday’s event marks the first time a UFC main card streams exclusively on Paramount+, signaling a major shift in how fans will consume the sport moving forward. With star power across multiple divisions and several high-profile matchups, the UFC wasted no time putting together a stacked card for its new streaming home.
Gaethje vs. Pimblett Headlines Paramount+ Debut
Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje meets fan-favorite Paddy Pimblett in the main event, a matchup that blends elite grappling with global star appeal. Gaethje’s pressure and power will be tested against Pimblett’s grappling and durability in what could shape the next lightweight title picture.
Main Card Loaded with Star Power
The rest of the main card offers plenty of intrigue:
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Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong (Bantamweight)
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Derrick Lewis vs. Waldo Cortes-Acosta (Heavyweight)
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Rose Namajunas vs. Natalia Silva (Women’s Flyweight)
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Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva (Featherweight)
From former champions to rising contenders, the UFC clearly aimed to make its Paramount+ debut feel like a must-watch event.
Betting Odds Preview — UFC 324
The following odds reflect current fight-week lines from major sportsbooks ahead of Saturday’s event:
Main Event — Interim Lightweight Title
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Paddy Pimblett: -230 (favorite)
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Justin Gaethje: +190 (underdog)
Pimblett enters as the betting favorite in the main event, with Gaethje priced as the underdog despite his experience and championship resume.
Main Card Odds Snapshot
(Subject to change up to fight time)
| Bout | Favorite | Underdog |
|---|---|---|
| Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong | O’Malley (-200) | Yadong (+170) |
| Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis | Cortes-Acosta (-330) | Lewis (+260) |
| Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas | Silva (-410) | Namajunas (+320) |
| Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva | Silva (-275) | Allen (+225) |
Odds are approximate from Fight Odds and vary slightly by sportsbook.
How to Watch
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Date: Saturday. January 24
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Streaming: Paramount+
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Main Card Start: Approximately 9 p.m. ET
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Prelims: Also streaming on Paramount+
Unlike the traditional pay-per-view model, the entire event is available with a standard Paramount+ subscription, lowering the barrier for casual and first-time viewers.
Why This Event Matters
Beyond the fights themselves, this weekend represents a pivotal moment for the UFC’s media strategy. With streaming platforms continuing to reshape live-sports consumption, the promotion’s arrival on Paramount+ positions it alongside other premium sports properties housed on the platform.
If viewership numbers are strong, this event could set the tone for how future UFC cards are distributed and consumed.