"UFC 324 marked the first event for UFC in 2026 as well as the first event on the new deal with Paramount. UFC president Dana White announced that bonuses would be increased from 50k to 100k and that a finish would produce an extra 25k bonus. There were lots of weight cutting woes. A UFC and WEC legend was announced to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame."
"Justin Gaethje disfigured his opponent and scored multiple knockdowns against Paddy Pimblett on his way to a unanimous decision victory on Saturday night. Paddy had a great showing but ultimately Gaethje's striking proved to be just too much against "the Baddy" from Liverpool. The loss, Paddy's first in the UFC, snaps a nine-fight win streak dating back to his Cage Warrior days. Pimblett is now 7-1 with the promotion. He entered the fight ranked at #5 (Gaethje was #4)."
"After the original co-main event of Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison fell apart, thanks to an injury to Harrison, Sean O'Malley took on Song Yadong in the slot. Song ended up dropping the pivotal bantamweight scrap. And in the main event, Justin Gaethje finally realized UFC gold as he captured the lightweight interim UFC strap. On the losing side, Paddy Pimblett, who was battered and dropped over the course of 25 minutes."
UFC 324 opened 2026 under a new Paramount broadcast deal and featured increased fighter bonuses with a $100,000 baseline and a $25,000 finish bonus. The event suffered multiple weight-cutting issues and announced a UFC and WEC legend for Hall of Fame induction. The 11-fight card produced five finishes overall but only one stoppage on the five-fight main card. Amanda Nunes vs Kayla Harrison was cancelled due to Harrison's injury, and Sean O'Malley replaced Harrison to face Song Yadong, losing the bout. Justin Gaethje captured the interim lightweight title by defeating Paddy Pimblett, handing Pimblett his first UFC loss and ending his nine-fight streak.
Read at Cageside Press
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