UFC 324 is more than just another pay-per-view card; it marks a major turning point for the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
As the first UFC event of 2026, and also the first under the new broadcasting partnership with Paramount+, fans, fighters, and analysts are calling this moment the start of a new era for the sport.
After years of mixed reactions and complications under ESPN, the promotion has shifted gears, entering 2026 with renewed expectations, improved presentation, and some unanswered questions that could shape the future of MMA.
Why UFC 324 Marks the Beginning of a New Era
The UFC’s move from ESPN to Paramount+ has been one of the biggest changes in the promotion’s recent history.
The previous partnership brought massive visibility, but it also came with issues, inconsistent scheduling, complaints about app functionality, blackout problems, overloaded fight nights, and a series of disagreements between the UFC and the network. These setbacks frustrated both fans and fighters.
Paramount+ now steps in promising smoother broadcasts, better integration with live sports, and more flexibility for UFC events.
This means new production styles, new content formats, and a renewed focus on how fans experience fights. UFC 324 is the first test of that promise.
A New Look: Faceoffs on a Modern Spotlight Stage
One of the biggest surprises heading into UFC 324 was the new faceoff stage design. Fighters squared off under a dramatic spotlight setup that fans had never seen before from the UFC.
Instead of the traditional weigh-in stage, the new style looked designed for social media clips, high-quality photography, and improved fan engagement.
The UFC’s shift toward a more entertainment-focused presentation shows that Paramount+ wants to bring a fresh feel to UFC events.
The modern lighting, camera angles, and stage layout made the faceoffs look more polished and theatrical, a sign that the UFC is ready to compete with other major combat sports in terms of show production.
Justin Gaethje Sparks the Biggest Question: What About Fighter Pay?
While the new broadcast deal has created excitement, it has also sparked controversy.
The most vocal fighter so far has been former UFC interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, who openly confronted Daniel Cormier over statements about fighter pay.
Cormier previously claimed that the Paramount+ deal would result in fighters earning more money. But Gaethje strongly disagreed, saying:
- “You’re lying.”
- “Why would you say that when you have no idea what’s happening?”
Gaethje argued that UFC fighters have not seen an increase in pay despite the massive deal with Paramount+.
According to him, Cormier suggested that every fighter would see improved pay, which Gaethje says is simply not true.
Cormier pushed back, saying he never claimed everyone would get paid more — only that UFC pay has generally improved.
This exchange highlights a real issue:
Will the new broadcast deal actually benefit the fighters?
So far, nothing has been officially confirmed. The UFC hasn’t announced any across-the-board pay increases, and fighters like Gaethje feel their earnings don’t reflect the financial growth of the promotion.
The controversy puts added pressure on the UFC and its new partnership with Paramount+ to deliver not only better content but also better treatment for its athletes.
The UFC Needs This Move to Work
The shift to a new platform brings opportunity, but it also brings risk. Paramount+ will have to prove it can handle:
- High traffic during live pay-per-views
- Smooth streaming with no crashes
- Stable broadcasting during major fights
- Global distribution without geo-blocking issues
The UFC’s audience is huge and diverse, and any early technical problems could spark backlash, especially from fans who dealt with similar issues during the ESPN era.
At the same time, the UFC is betting on Paramount+ to offer a more modern, fan-focused experience.
Better production value, new digital content, easier access, and a cleaner subscription model could help the UFC grow its global fanbase even faster.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward
UFC 324 is setting the tone for what the rest of 2026 may look like. Here are a few things fans should watch closely:
1. Production Changes
If the new faceoff setup is any sign, more production changes are coming. Expect improved lighting, stronger commentary integration, and possibly new on-screen graphics and backstage coverage.
2. More Behind-the-Scenes Content
Paramount+ is known for releasing series, documentaries, and exclusive clips. UFC fans may see more fighter-focused shows, training camp diaries, and real-time fight week coverage.
3. A Streamlined Broadcast Experience
Fans expect fewer delays, clearer commentary, and less downtime during events. If Paramount+ delivers smooth and stable streams, it will quickly earn trust.
4. Fighter Pay Discussion Won’t Go Away
The Gaethje-Cormier debate has opened the door to a bigger discussion. Whether the UFC chooses to be transparent or not, fans and fighters will keep questioning how much of the new revenue reaches the locker room.
Will the Paramount+ Era Succeed?
That’s the biggest unknown right now. UFC 324 is only the beginning, but it already shows that Paramount+ wants to modernize the UFC viewing experience.
The improved stage design and fresh presentation prove that change is happening, but fans will judge the success of this new era based on consistent delivery, not just appearances.
If Paramount+ offers smoother streaming, better event coverage, and more fighter-focused content, the partnership could redefine the future of UFC.
But if problems from the ESPN era repeat themselves, fans won’t hesitate to call it out.
Final Thoughts
The new era of UFC with UFC 324 has officially begun. The debut event under the Paramount+ partnership feels exciting, fresh, and filled with potential.
However, controversies such as fighter pay and lingering doubts from past broadcast issues mean this new start comes with high expectations.
Now, all eyes are on how the UFC and Paramount+ handle the upcoming events, because the success of this partnership will shape the sport’s growth for years to come.