On January 24, 2026, the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas hosted UFC 324, an event that went far beyond a standard fight night. Headlined by the interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, the card delivered not only thrilling action inside the Octagon, but also clear signals about the UFC’s evolving economic and strategic vision.
A new bonus structure reshapes the landscape
UFC 324 marked the first full implementation of a new bonus system, introduced alongside the organization’s expanded partnership with Paramount+. Performance-based bonuses were doubled, with Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night awards increasing from $50,000 to $100,000.
The breakdown tells the story:
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Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett each earned $100,000 for Fight of the Night after a five-round war.
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Ty Miller and Josh Hokit received $100,000 each for Performance of the Night, following first-round stoppages.
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Nikita Krylov were awarded $25,000 Finish Bonuses, highlighting the UFC’s push to reward decisive endings.
This shift reflects a broader intent: incentivizing aggression and entertainment, while addressing long-standing criticism regarding fighter compensation.
Gaethje delivers, again
In the main event, Justin Gaethje proved once more why he remains one of the UFC’s most reliable action fighters. Against a determined and durable Paddy Pimblett, Gaethje combined relentless pressure with measured experience. After five intense rounds, the judges awarded him a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 49-46, 48-47), crowning him interim lightweight champion.
The win carried historical weight as well. With this bout, Gaethje matched the UFC record held by Dustin Poirier and Edson Barboza, reaching ten Fight of the Night bonuses in his career — a testament to his consistent ability to deliver high-impact performances.
A deep card with meaningful outcomes
Beyond the main event, UFC 324 showcased depth and unpredictability:
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Waldo Cortes-Acosta stopped former title challenger Derrick Lewis via TKO in the second round.
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Nikita Krylov stunned the crowd with a dramatic knockout just three seconds before the final bell against Modestas Bukauskas.
These moments reinforced the UFC’s strength in building compelling narratives throughout the entire card, not just at the top.
More than a fight night
UFC 324 was not merely a showcase of elite MMA. It was a strategic declaration. By increasing bonuses, strengthening broadcast partnerships, and reigniting competition in one of its most marketable divisions, the UFC demonstrated its intent to remain the global benchmark for mixed martial arts.
In Las Vegas, the message was clear: the UFC is not only promoting fights — it is shaping the future of the sport.
