The UFC has always been known for delivering high-quality fights, but the way the promotion is starting 2026 shows that it has no plans to slow down.
UFC 2025 gave fans unforgettable moments, shocking upsets, and classic battles, but the opening event of UFC 2026 looks even more explosive.
The first UFC event of 2026 will be UFC 324, scheduled for January 25, 2026, at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
From top to bottom, this card is stacked with star power, title fights, fan favorites, rising contenders, and matchups that promise violence from the opening bell.
With an interim lightweight title fight in the main event, a historic women’s bantamweight clash in the co-main, and multiple contender-defining battles, UFC 324 is shaping up to be one of the strongest season openers in UFC history.
Let’s take a deep look at why UFC is starting 2026 with absolute banger fights.
Starting a new year strong is important, and UFC 324 does exactly that. The card balances entertainment, rankings, and championship implications.
It features elite strikers, dominant wrestlers, veterans, and hungry contenders who are looking to make 2026 their year.
The biggest reason this event feels special is that nearly every major fight has real stakes attached to it. Titles, future title shots, comebacks, and career-defining moments are all on the line.
The main event of UFC 324 is a fight that fans never knew they needed until it became a reality.
With Ilia Topuria not defending the lightweight title in the early months of 2026, the UFC decided to crown an interim lightweight champion.
To do that, they matched up two of the most dangerous and entertaining lightweights in the world.
Justin Gaethje is known as one of the most violent strikers in MMA history. His leg kicks, boxing combinations, and forward pressure have broken elite fighters.
Gaethje doesn’t take easy fights, and he doesn’t fight safely. Every time he steps into the Octagon, fans expect chaos.
Paddy Pimblett has gone from fan favorite to legitimate title contender. While many once doubted his skill level, Paddy has continued to prove himself against tougher competition.
His confidence, unpredictable striking, and improving grappling make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.
This fight has “Fight of the Year” written all over it. Expect heavy leg kicks, wild exchanges, and momentum swings.
Whoever wins this fight will not only become the interim lightweight champion but will also set up a massive unification bout later in 2026.
The co-main event of UFC 324 is nothing short of historic. Two of the most dominant women in combat sports history will finally collide.
Amanda Nunes is widely regarded as the greatest women’s MMA fighter of all time.
Her power, experience, and championship mindset have defined an era. She has beaten legends and dominated champions across multiple divisions.
Kayla Harrison is a powerhouse. With elite judo, strong ground control, and improved striking, she has been a force wherever she competes. Her physical strength and pace create serious problems for opponents.
This fight is not just about a belt. It’s about history. Fans have waited years to see this matchup, and UFC 324 finally delivers it on the biggest stage.
Fan favorite Sean O’Malley returns to action against one of the most dangerous strikers in the bantamweight division, Song Yadong.
Sean O’Malley brings creativity, timing, and precision striking. Song Yadong, often called the “Chinese Killer” by fans, brings power, speed, and relentless pressure.
This fight is a pure striking battle.
The winner of this fight will remain close to the bantamweight title picture and could be one fight away from gold.
The UFC never forgets the fan favorites, and Derrick Lewis is one of the biggest names in the heavyweight division.
Lewis faces Waldo Cortes-Acosta, a tough and athletic heavyweight who is looking to make a statement.
For Lewis, this fight is simple: win, and he could be next in line for a heavyweight title shot.
Expect:
Heavyweight fights don’t need long explanations. This one could end in seconds.
The UFC has recognized the growing hype around the Fighting Nerds, and Jean Silva represents that wave perfectly.
After suffering a brutal knockout loss to Diego Lopes, Silva is looking to make a strong comeback.
Standing across from him is Arnold Allen, a rising featherweight contender with sharp boxing, strong defense, and elite experience.
This fight is important because:
This matchup could quietly steal the show.
The prelims are stacked, and this fight proves it. Natalia Silva faces former champion Rose Namajunas in a high-level women’s flyweight matchup.
Rose brings experience, footwork, and fight IQ. Natalia Silva brings speed, aggression, and hunger.
This fight could decide the next top contender at flyweight and is easily main-card worthy at many events.
For Dagestani fans, this is one of the most-awaited fights on the card. Umar Nurmagomedov, cousin of Khabib Nurmagomedov, faces former champion Deiveson Figueiredo.
This is a massive step up for Umar.
After facing Merab, this may be the toughest fight of Umar’s career. If Umar wins, a future title fight against Petr Yan becomes very likely.
UFC 324 doesn’t stop with the big names. The depth of this card is impressive.
These fights add depth, variety, and nonstop action to the event.
Starting 2026 with UFC 324 sends a clear message: the UFC is not rebuilding, not slowing down, and not taking safe routes. This event combines:
Every major fight on the card has meaning. Wins and losses will directly impact rankings and future title opportunities.
UFC 324 is more than just another pay-per-view. It’s a statement event.
From Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett to Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes, from Sean O’Malley’s return to Umar Nurmagomedov’s toughest test, this card delivers excitement at every level.
While some fights may change due to injuries or replacements, the foundation of this event is strong. If this is how UFC starts 2026, fans are in for a legendary year of mixed martial arts.
One thing is certain: UFC is starting 2026 with banger fights, and UFC 324 is proof of that.
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