Overview
- UFC 324 takes place Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and serves as the promotion’s Paramount+ kickoff event.
- Ilia Topuria is on personal leave after reporting an alleged extortion attempt tied to accusations he says are false, and he is targeting a return after the first quarter of 2026.
- Justin Gaethje said he “loves how scared” he’ll be in a potential Topuria fight and emphasized avoiding the champion’s right hand and signature 2–3 combination.
- Gaethje confirmed the interim designation guarantees a championship purse under his contract after his previous fight paid less than the one before it.
- The interim matchup has prompted objections from bypassed contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan, and Gaethje vowed to “spoil” fan hopes for a Pimblett–Topuria grudge match.