Five reasons to watch UFC 324, with Justin Gaethje x Paddy Pimblett + Jean Silva

The first numbered event of 2026, UFC 324 features an interim lightweight title fight as the main event and includes the Brazilian Squad.

Allen and Jean have a tense face-off at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

It took a while, but the Ultimate is finally back and will kick off its schedule for the 2026 season and also the 'Paramount' era. This Saturday (24), in Las Vegas (USA), the UFC 324 its main fight Justin gaethje x Paddy Pimblett, which is for the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). Another highlight is the popular Jean Silva, who is looking to bounce back in the featherweight division (up to 65,8 kg) against arnold allen.

In total, the UFC 324 It consists of 13 fights. Besides the bad boy from the 'Fighting Nerds' academy, Brazil will be represented by two more professionals at the event. Also on the main card, Natalia Silva fight against Rose namajunas. In the preliminary portion, Deiveson Figueiredo faces Umar NurmagomedovTo get in the mood, the team of SUPER FIGHTS selected five reasons to follow the show.

1) Topuria's next opponent

Gaethje and Pimblett have a tense face-off at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

The interim lightweight title is only at stake because Ilia Topuria He decided to step aside to resolve personal issues. Therefore, Gaethje and Pimblett were chosen to fill the title while the champion is absent. In fact, the American and the Englishman won the competition based on sheer force, as many argue that... Arman Tsarukyan He is the one who most deserves to challenge 'El Matador'.

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The matchup between the fighters is a classic clash of styles. On one side, Gaethje, 37, comes from a wrestling background but developed a taste for striking and became one of the most powerful and violent fighters in MMA. On the other, Pimblett, 31, is a jiu-jitsu specialist and is undefeated in the UFC. The main event between these two stars is likely to be tense, because there's a rivalry and it's at stake.

2) Lord's comeback?

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Whenever he's scheduled to fight, Jean is a spectacle in himself. In his last appearance in the octagon, held in September, the bad boy saw his UFC undefeated streak come to an end via knockout. Diego lopes He lost in the second round, but didn't lose confidence or prestige. Even defeated, the Brazilian, ranked tenth in the featherweight division, will have a chance to recover by facing Allen, number six.

And, determined to prove he's a threat to the division's top names, 'Lord' claims his return to winning ways will be a spectacular show. Now, it remains to be seen if Jean will keep his word or fall short again. For this important duel, the athlete guaranteed he has perfected his game and will follow his corner's instructions during the fight.

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3) Brazilian woman on her way to the belt

Natalia Silva During training. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/NataliaSilva

Se Amanda nunes left UFC 324 due to the injury of Kayla harrisonNatalia, the bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), has gained prominence. In fact, the Brazilian has a golden opportunity at the event. Enjoying a great run in the organization, the athlete, if she gets past Namajunas, the former strawweight champion (up to 52,2 kg), should challenge her. Valentina Shevchenko, queen of the flyweight division (up to 57 kg).

At 28 years old, the fighter from Minas Gerais is undefeated in the organization, with seven wins, and is ranked second in the category. However, Natália will not have an easy time in the octagon. The American is one of the most complete fighters in MMA, known for her speed, and also dreams of competing for the division title against her friend. The expectation is that the fight between the athletes will be exciting and end by points.

4) God of War vs. Dagestan

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Former flyweight champion Deiveson has a tough mission ahead: to measure his strength against Umar, cousin of... Khabib NurmagomedovAt 38 years old, the Brazilian is considered by bookmakers to be a major underdog in the fight. As if the statistics weren't bad enough, 'God of War' failed to make weight to compete in the bantamweight division.

To make matters worse, the Russian aims to impress, as he is close to competing for the category title for the second time. Therefore, to obtain his second consecutive victory, Deiveson will have to be more inspired than ever in the octagon and show everything he knows against Umar, who is eight years younger, likes striking, and also possesses a high level of grappling.

5) New Ngannou and Sonnen 2.0 

Fans should pay attention to two promising fighters on the preliminary card. In the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), Ateba Gautier He's been making waves in the octagon. In 2025, his first year in the UFC, the Cameroonian shone by winning all three of his fights via brutal and quick knockouts. As one might expect, given his impressive physique and exceptional strength, the athlete is being called by many the 'new UFC fighter'. Francis NgannouIn fact, Joe Rogan predicts that the striker will soon be in the top 15 of the division.

In the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg), Josh Hokit is making his mark. Discovered through the Contender Series in 2025, the American, undefeated in MMA with seven wins, all by stoppage (four by knockout and three by submission), shone in his debut with a devastating knockout. But the fighter's main characteristic is his 'trash talk,' which is clearly inspired by the profanities uttered by... Chael Sonnen e Colby covingtonBecause of his overall image, the bad boy is already an attraction and is gaining popularity.

UFC 324 technical sheet

Date: January 24, 2026

Open Hours: From 19pm (Brasília time)

Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE Live streaming on Paramount+ (the entire catalog) via TV and internet.

MAIN CARD (23pm Brasília time)

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin gaethje x Paddy Pimblett – interim title fight

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley x song yadong

Heavy weight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes-Acosta x Derrick Lewis

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Natalia Silva x Rose namajunas

Featherweight (up to 65,8 kg): arnold allen x Jean Silva

PRELIMINARY CARD (19pm Brasília time)

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov x Deiveson Figueiredo

Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier x Andrey Pulyaev

Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Nikita Krylov x Modest Bukauskas

Flyweight (up to 57 kg): Alex Perez x Charles Johnson

Light weight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Johnson x Alexander Hernandez

Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Josh Hokit x Denzel Freeman

Bantam weight (up to 61,2 kg): Ricky Turcios x Cameron Smotherman

Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Adam Fugitt Ty Miller

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