UFC Moves Numbered Main Cards to 9 p.m. ET Starting With UFC 324

The change signals the Paramount/CBS transition that puts numbered events behind a Paramount+ subscription.

Overview

Dana White announced the earlier start on Instagram Live, setting 9 p.m. ET as the new default for numbered events except select overseas cards.
UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett with Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes as co-main, will kick off the new schedule.
UFC 325 on Jan. 31 in Sydney, featuring Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes, is also listed with a 9 p.m. ET main-card start.
With the Paramount era beginning in 2026, numbered events are slated to move off pay-per-view to a Paramount+ paywall, with monthly prices expected to rise to $8.99 for basic and $13.99 for premium in January.
Reaction from fans and MMA media has been notably positive, with many praising the earlier start time over the week’s fight announcements.