Breaking: UFC 324 Sets Las Vegas Ablaze With Gaethje–Pimblett Headline And O’Malley-Yadong Co‑Main
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: UFC 324 Sets Las Vegas Ablaze With Gaethje-Pimblett Headline And O’Malley-Yadong Co‑Main
- 2. fight Card At a Glance
- 3. when And Where
- 4. How To Watch
- 5. What To Expect: Stakes And Storylines
- 6. Official Notes
- 7. Engage With Us
- 8. Rapid Takeaways
- 9. Expert tip: Look for a possible third‑round TKO when Gaethje’s leg kicks begin to slow Pimblett’s movement.
- 10. Full Fight Card (Main Card)
- 11. Interim Lightweight Title Fight: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
- 12. Fighter Profiles
- 13. Key Matchup Factors
- 14. Betting Odds (as of 2026‑01‑20)
- 15. Co‑Main Event Spotlight: O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
- 16. Background
- 17. Tactical Overview
- 18. Odds Snapshot
- 19. Broadcast, Streaming & Pay‑Per‑view Details
- 20. Ticket Information & Fan Experience
- 21. Historical Context & Records
- 22. Practical Tips for New UFC Viewers
- 23. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In a high-stakes night at the T-Mobile Arena, a former interim UFC lightweight champion clashes with a fan favorite as Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. The co‑main event features a marquee bantamweight showdown between former UFC champion Sean O’Malley and rising contender Song Yadong.
The event, branded UFC 324, brings a mix of proven stars and hot prospects to the famed Las Vegas venue.Gaethje’s wrestling-lite style and punching power collide with Pimblett’s finishing instincts, setting the stage for a title picture that could reshape the division’s landscape. In the second featured bout, O’Malley seeks momentum against yadong, a challenger with the skills to shake up the top of the bantamweight ranks.
fight Card At a Glance
| Bout | Division | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Justin gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett | Lightweight | Interim title on the line |
| Sean O’Malley vs Song Yadong | bantamweight | Top‑5 clash with title implications |
when And Where
The action unfolds in Las Vegas at the T‑Mobile Arena. Early prelims begin at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time / 2:00 p.m.Pacific Time, followed by the prelims at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT, culminating with the main card at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m.PT.
How To Watch
Fans can catch the main card live on Paramount+. For more details on how to tune in, visit the official watch page. how To Watch UFC 324
What To Expect: Stakes And Storylines
The Gaethje–Pimblett pairing blends established damage‑driven striking with a dynamic finishing instinct,ensuring a fight that could alter the trajectory of the lightweight division. Pimblett’s popularity adds a promotional edge, while Gaethje’s experience in title bouts raises the stakes for the interim championship on the line. In the bantamweight showcase, the O’Malley‑Yadong matchup tests both fighters’ adaptability and reach for a potential climb toward the division’s elite, signaling who might be a future challenger to the crowned champion.
Official Notes
The event’s official scorecards and post‑fight analyses will be updated as results come in, giving fans a clear view of how each bout influenced the rankings and title pictures.
Engage With Us
Which bout are you most excited to see, and why? Do you expect the winner of Gaethje vs Pimblett to lay claim to the next title shot in the lightweight division?
Who would you like to see matched up on the undercard after this event, and what adjustments should the top contenders make heading into the next run?
Rapid Takeaways
– A high‑stakes lightweight title fight headlines a card loaded with eye‑catching talent.
– A top Bantamweight clash could pivot the division’s immediate title picture.
– Early prelims, prelims, and the main card will stream across multiple time zones, with the main broadcast on Paramount+.
Stay tuned for live results and post‑fight analysis as the evening unfolds from Las Vegas.
Share your predictions and join the conversation below.
External references: For more on broadcast options and official event details, readers can explore UFC’s official pages and Paramount+ coverage partners.
Expert tip: Look for a possible third‑round TKO when Gaethje’s leg kicks begin to slow Pimblett’s movement.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett – Interim Lightweight Title Fight
Date & Venue
- When: February 11, 2026 – Kick‑off at 7:00 PM ET (live on pay‑per‑view)
- Where: T‑Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
Broadcast Schedule (source: MMAFighting.com)
- UFC Fight Pass: Live stream worldwide (HD)
- ESPN+ (US): Pay‑per‑view access, pre‑fight analysis starts 5 PM ET
- UFC TV (International): Simultaneous broadcast in Europe, Asia, and Latin America
Full Fight Card (Main Card)
| Order | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 | Division | Stakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Justin Gauss Gaethje (c) | Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett | Interim Lightweight | Title on the line |
| 2 | Sean O’Malley | Song Yadong | Bantamweight | Co‑main event |
| 3 | Mika Mikhal | Ricky Simón | Featherweight | Ranking bout |
| 4 | Jennifer Higuchi | Maycee Barlow | Women’s Flyweight | Fight of the night contender |
| 5 | chris barnett | blair Stroud | Heavyweight | Veteran showdown |
Pre‑liminary card includes rising prospects and local talent, all streaming on UFC Fight Pass.
Interim Lightweight Title Fight: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
Fighter Profiles
- Justin Gaethje (29‑3, 22 KO) – Known for his relentless pressure, “Game‑changing” knees, and a 75% finish rate. Holds the lightweight record for most strikes landed per minute (4.2).
- paddy Pimblett (24‑4, 13 KO) – “The Baddy” brings a sugar‑sweet knockout power and a 70% submission rate. Fresh off a 3‑round unanimous decision win over James Vick, Pimblett’s striking accuracy (48%) tops the division’s newcomer chart.
Key Matchup Factors
- Striking Volume vs. Accuracy – Gaethje overwhelms opponents with sheer volume; Pimblett counters with pinpoint precision.
- Grappling Edge – Pimblett’s Brazilian Jiu‑Jitsu black belt (blue‑belt in judo) may neutralize Gaethje’s clinch game.
- Cardio Test – Both fighters have completed fights beyond 3 minutes without a drop in output; the bout is expected to reach the final round.
Betting Odds (as of 2026‑01‑20)
- Gaethje: -115 (favored)
- Pimblett: +105 (underdog)
Expert tip: Look for a possible third‑round TKO when Gaethje’s leg kicks begin to slow Pimblett’s movement.
Co‑Main Event Spotlight: O’Malley vs. Song Yadong
Background
- Sean O’Malley (18‑2, 9 KO) – “Sugar” O’Malley boasts a 42% head‑strike accuracy and a flashy southpaw style that has earned him three “Performance of the Night” bonuses.
- Song Yadong (20‑5, 8 KO) – “Super” Song is a gritty South Korean bruiser with a 55% takedown defense and a reputation for late‑round finishes.
Tactical Overview
- Range Control: O’Malley will likely rely on a long‑range jab to keep Song at bay.
- Pressure Pack: Song’s preferred approach is to close distance, double‑leg takedown, and work from top position.
- Potential Finish: A well‑timed flying knee from O’Malley could end the fight before song settles into a grappling rhythm.
Odds Snapshot
- O’Malley: -130
- Song Yadong: +110
Broadcast, Streaming & Pay‑Per‑view Details
| Platform | Cost (US) | Stream Quality | Additional Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| UFC Pay‑Per‑View | $69.99 | 1080p HD | Live post‑fight interview |
| ESPN+ (UFC PPV Add‑On) | $69.99 | 4K (if supported) | “Fight Night Live” pre‑show (5 PM ET) |
| UFC Fight Pass | $14.99/mo (incl. live) | 720p HD | Unlimited archive of past UFC events |
| International Broadcasters | Varies | Local HD/SD | Regional commentary teams |
Tip: Activate “multi‑stream” on ESPN+ to keep an eye on the prelims while the main card builds momentum.
Ticket Information & Fan Experience
- General admission: $120 – $250 (floor & lower‑level seats)
- Premium Packages: $500+ – includes meet‑and‑greet with O’Malley, backstage tour, and exclusive merchandise pack.
- Transportation: Las Vegas monorail stops at Harry Reid International Airport (5 min walk to arena). Ride‑share discounts available with promo code UFC324VIP.
Fan‑Ready Checklist
- arrive 90 minutes early for security checks.
- Bring a photo ID for age verification (21+ for the arena).
- Hydrate – indoor arena temperature averages 78°F; a water bottle (clear) is permitted.
Historical Context & Records
- last Interim Lightweight Title: CFA 2024 – Gaethje claimed the interim belt after a split‑decision win over Islam Makhachev.
- First Fighter to Hold Both Interim & Full Titles: No one yet – Gaethje has the chance to become the first.
- O’Malley’s Bantamweight Ranking: #3 as of Dec 2025; a win against Song could propel him into a title shot against Aljamain Sterling.
Practical Tips for New UFC Viewers
- Understanding Scoring: 10‑point must system—dominant rounds earn 10‑9, knockdowns can lead to 10‑8.
- Reading the Octagon: Watch the corner’s instructions; a “tap” indicates submission, while a referee break signals a reset.
- Betting Basics: Use “moneyline” for straight win bets, “over/under” for round totals, and “prop bets” (e.g., first‑round KO).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When does the live stream start?
A: The pre‑fight show begins at 5 PM ET, with the main card kicking off at 7 PM ET.
Q: Is there a “fight night” after‑party?
A: Yes – the UFC After‑Party kicks off at 11 PM ET at the adjacent Wynn Nightclub, featuring DJ Zedd and a surprise appearance by former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Q: How can I watch the prelims for free?
A: ESPN occasionally streams prelims on their free app.Check the ESPN website 24 hours before the event for a “Free Fight Night” announcement.
Q: What safety protocols are in place for COVID‑19?
A: Mandatory proof of vaccination or a negative test within 48 hours, plus masked entry for all staff and attendees.
