UFC Makes Paramount+ Debut at UFC 324 as Gaethje Claims Interim Lightweight Title

UFC officially opened its Paramount+ era Saturday night, and the promotion’s first numbered event on the new platform delivered a stacked card, major finishes, and a marquee lightweight showdown.

UFC 324, held in Las Vegas, was headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim UFC Lightweight Championship, with several high-profile names rounding out the main card.

UFC 324 Main Card Results

• Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett via Unanimous Decision
  Gaethje captures the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship

• Sean O’Malley def. Song Yadong via Unanimous Decision

• Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Derrick Lewis via TKO (Round 2)

• Natalia Silva def. Rose Namajunas via Unanimous Decision

• Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen via Unanimous Decision

Preliminary Card Highlights

• Umar Nurmagomedov def. Deiveson Figueiredo via Unanimous Decision

• Nikita Krylov def. Modestas Bukauskas via KO (Round 3)

• Alex Perez def. Charles Johnson via TKO (Round 1)

Bonuses & Paramount+ Era Notes

• Fight of the Night: Gaethje vs. Pimblett

• Fighters received $100,000 bonuses, reflecting the UFC’s updated payout structure under the Paramount deal.

• UFC 324 marked the official transition away from ESPN+ pay-per-view exclusivity, with Paramount+ now serving as the primary streaming home for numbered UFC events.

What It Means Going Forward

Gaethje’s win immediately reshapes the lightweight title picture, while the successful Paramount+ debut gives the UFC a strong launching point for its new broadcast partnership.