Gaethje-Pimblett, Nunes-Harrison title fights to headline UFC 324 in January

UFC CEO Dana White announced Thursday that a fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight belt will serve as the headliner at UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas.

Ilia Topuria didn't vacate his belt, but the reigning UFC lightweight champ recently announced that he won't fight in the first quarter of 2026 while "going through a difficult moment" in his personal life. The winner of Gaethje vs. Pimblett is expected to face Topuria next.

Arman Tsarukyan - the top-ranked lightweight - seemingly reacted to White's announcement on social media after missing out on a shot at the title. He's won his last five fights, most recently defeating Dan Hooker on Nov. 22.

Gaethje and Pimblett rank fourth and fifth in their division, respectively.

The UFC's first premium live event on Paramount+ will also feature a fight between former two-division champion Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison for the bantamweight title.

Nunes announced her retirement in June 2023 but had teased a return to the Octagon earlier this year. Her return will see her face Harrison, who submitted Julianna Pena for the belt in June.

White unveiled several notable fights that will take place at UFC 324. The main card will air at 9 p.m. ET.

• Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
• Amanda Nunes vs. Kayla Harrison
• Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong
• Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
• Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva
• Alexa Grasso vs. Rose Namajunas
• Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
• Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev