UFC 324: A New Era of No-Pay-Per-View Access

The UFC is entering one of the biggest transformations in its history,  and it’s going to change how millions of fans watch fights across the United States and Latin America. Starting in 2026, Paramount+ will officially become the exclusive streaming home of UFC events, replacing the traditional pay-per-view model that fans have relied on for…

The UFC is entering one of the biggest transformations in its history,  and it’s going to change how millions of fans watch fights across the United States and Latin America.
Starting in 2026, Paramount+ will officially become the exclusive streaming home of UFC events, replacing the traditional pay-per-view model that fans have relied on for decades. This shift marks a monumental change in accessibility, viewing experience, and the future of combat sports broadcasting.

And to kick off this brand-new era, UFC is bringing heat:
UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, lined with two explosive main-event fights that are already generating massive hype.

Let’s break down what this means for fans, the business of MMA, and the fighters stepping into the octagon.

Goodbye PPV, UFC Goes All-In on Streaming

For years, UFC fans paid premium prices for PPV events,  sometimes as high as $80 per fight card. But now the model is shifting dramatically.

With Paramount+ taking full control of UFC broadcasting in the U.S. and Latin America:

No more pay-per-view charges

Major events will now be included directly in the subscription,  making it drastically more affordable for fans.

 More consistent access

All big cards, Fight Nights, and special events will live inside one platform.

 A unified experience

Replay access, behind-the-scenes content, fighter documentaries, and training series are expected to be bundled under the same subscription.

This move aligns UFC with the direction of global entertainment,  subscription-based streaming.
For the first time, fans can watch massive UFC cards without breaking the bank.

UFC 324: The First Monumental Card Under the New Deal

To launch its new streaming era, UFC needs a card that shakes the world.

And they delivered.

UFC 324 is shaping up to be one of the most stacked events in recent memory, with two massive fights leading the lineup.

Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett, Interim Lightweight Title

This is the type of matchup built to draw global attention.

Justin Gaethje

Known as “The Highlight,” Gaethje is one of the most violent, explosive, and entertaining fighters in UFC history.
He brings:

  • Elite striking
  • Brutal leg kicks
  • Championship-level composure
  • Fight-of-the-night energy every single time

Gaethje’s resume is filled with legendary fights, and he’s hungry to climb back into title contention.

Paddy Pimblett

Pimblett has quickly become one of the UFC’s biggest personalities. Loud, confident, charismatic, and aggressive in the cage, he brings:

  • Rapid fan growth
  • Strong grappling
  • High-pressure pace
  • The X-factor of an unpredictable rising star

A matchup between the seasoned warrior and the rising entertainer?
This is the perfect recipe for a blockbuster opening to the new streaming partnership.

The winner becomes the interim lightweight champion, and locks in a future showdown for the undisputed title.

 Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs Amanda Nunes, A Collision of Legends

If the main event is explosive, the co-main event is historic.

Kayla Harrison, Current Bantamweight Champion

A two-time Olympic gold medalist and one of the strongest grapplers in women’s MMA, Harrison is in her prime. She brings:

  • Elite judo background
  • Physical dominance
  • Rapid improvement in striking
  • Near-perfect cage control

Her rise in the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular.

Amanda Nunes, The Lioness Returns

Widely considered the greatest female fighter of all time, Amanda Nunes is returning to reclaim her throne. She brings:

  • Devastating knockout power
  • Superior experience
  • Championship mindset
  • Legendary grit

Harrison vs Nunes is more than a championship defense
it’s a generational clash.

This bout could define the next era of women’s MMA.

Why This Streaming Deal Changes Everything

The Paramount+ partnership isn’t just a broadcast shift,  it’s a power move with long-term implications.

1. Fans Win Big

Affordable access means larger live audiences and more engagement.

2. UFC Grows Its Global Footprint

Streaming makes UFC more accessible to younger, digital-first fans.

3. Fighters Get More Visibility

With more viewers comes more fanbases, sponsorships, and opportunities.

4. Paramount+ Strengthens Its Sports Portfolio

This deal puts the platform in direct competition with ESPN+ and Amazon.

How This Impacts UFC’s Business Model

The traditional PPV model brought massive revenue, but it also limited reach.
By moving to subscription-based streaming:

  • UFC gains predictable, recurring income
  • Viewership becomes more stable
  • The sport becomes more accessible
  • Event marketing becomes easier and bigger

And with blockbuster cards like UFC 324, they can make a massive early statement.

Fan Reactions: Excitement, Shock, and Full Support

Social media reactions show massive fan excitement:

“Finally… no more $80 PPVs!”
“Gaethje vs Pimblett for FREE? Insane.”
“Nunes vs Harrison is worth a subscription alone.”
“Paramount+ just became must-have TV.”

The general consensus:
UFC fans are ready for this evolution.

The Future of UFC Streaming Starts Now

UFC 324 isn’t just another card,  it’s a historic milestone.
The new streaming partnership, combined with two explosive main-event fights, marks the beginning of a different era for combat sports.

An era where:

  • Fans pay less
  • Fighters get more exposure
  • Events reach global audiences instantly
  • The sport becomes more accessible than ever

The UFC is evolving,  and so is the way the world watches it.

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