A. Nunes in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
The historic UFC 324, which marks the beginning of the billion-dollar partnership between UFC and Paramount, finally has its headliners defined. The event, scheduled for January 24th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, will be headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett , in a fight for the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). The night will also feature the highly anticipated return of Amanda Nunes , who challenges champion Kayla Harrison for the women's bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg).
Fans expected Ilia Topuria to be the star of the night, but after announcing a break from his career due to personal reasons, the Spaniard opened the door for Pimblett and Gaethje, who were waiting for a title shot.
Paddy Pimblett reached the top of the category buoyed by victories over Tony Ferguson , King Green , and Michael Chandler , results that propelled him into the top 5 of the lightweight division. Beyond the wins, the Briton was already one of the most popular figures in the division, especially due to his declared rivalry with Topuria.
Justin Gaethje , on the other hand, secured his chance amidst a different narrative. Having been defeated by Charles Oliveira and Khabib Nurmagomedov in previous title fights, the American stated that he would hang up his gloves if he didn't receive another opportunity.
Amanda Nunes faces Kayla Harrison at UFC 324
Kayla Harrison 's manager calls on Amanda Nunes and reveals plan for super fights against UFC legends. (Photo: Instagram/UFCEspanol)
In addition to the main event, UFC 324 marks the return of Amanda Nunes . Considered by many to be the greatest female fighter of all time, the Brazilian returns to the octagon after almost two years of retirement. And the return couldn't be more significant: Amanda faces the current champion Kayla Harrison , who won the belt by defeating Julianna Peña at UFC 316 and was once her training partner at American Top Team.
More Brazilians at UFC 324
Jean Silva celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Another name confirmed on the card is Jean Silva , who is trying to get back on the winning track after losing his undefeated record to Diego Lopes at Noche UFC . He faces the sixth-ranked featherweight, Arnold Allen.
The event will also feature Deiveson Figueiredo , who returns after defeating Montel Jackson at UFC Rio. The Brazilian faces Umar Nurmagomedov , Khabib's cousin, in a duel that could determine the next challenger for the bantamweight title.
Check out the UFC 324 fight card.
MAIN CARD
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin Gaethje x Paddy Pimblett
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes
Bantamweight (up to 61.2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Jean Silva vs. Arnold Allen
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.