UFC 324 is a loaded fight card to usher in the new era, with 13 fights on the docket and a new start time, beginning at 5 p.m. ET with the early prelims and the main card beginning at 9. Celebrate the end of the pay-per-view era with a few bets with me, as I return to pick the entire card at UFC 324.

Forget Warner Bros, the real war zone between Netflix and Paramount this weekend is live spectacle sports. Originally locked in for tonight from Taiwan, the Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters-run streamer’s Skyscraper Live was already set to steal some of the thunder of the UFC’s much-promoted debut on Paramount+.

UFC lightweight fighters Justin Gaethje, left, and Paddy Pimblett face off as UFC president Dana White looks on during a news conference for UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026. Gaethje and Pimblett will fight for an interim lightweight title at the arena on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Marcus

The first UFC card of 2026 arrives with real momentum. A new year, fresh expectations, and the early glow of the promotion’s Paramount deal gives the week added weight. The card carries intrigue from top to bottom,

After several weeks off, the Ultimate Fighting Championship kicks off its 2026 slate with its first Paramount+ card, which is now official following the UFC 324 weigh-ins. Headlining the monumental card is an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett,

UFC CEO Dana White has gone on a mini media tour to promote the promotion's new Paramount+ deal that begins Saturday night, among other topics.

The first UFC numbered event will stream on Paramount+ over the weekend. Former UFC champion and analyst, Michael Bisping, said UFC will now be more accessible to more people.