The ESPN era is officially over.
Starting with UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett on January 24, 2026, the Octagon has a new home. But for fans used to the ESPN+ model, this switch to Paramount+ has created massive confusion.
Do you still need to buy the PPV? Does the 7-Day Free Trial work for the Main Card? Can you watch the prelims on CBS?
We have tested the new platform, and here is the definitive guide to watching UFC 324 for the lowest possible price.
📺 The New Setup: What You Need to Know
The biggest news for 2026 is the death of the Pay-Per-View fee. Unlike the old ESPN+ model, where you needed a subscription plus an $80 PPV fee, the Paramount+ model includes everything.
| Feature | Old Way (ESPN+) | New Way (Paramount+) |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | ESPN / ESPN+ | CBS Sports Network / Paramount+ |
| Main Card Cost | $79.99 | INCLUDED (No extra fee) |
| Subscription Required? | Yes ($10.99/mo) | Yes ($7.99 or $12.99/mo) |
🚨 The “Free Trial” Loophole (Does it Work?)
This is the #1 question we get: “Can I use the Paramount+ 7-Day Free Trial to watch UFC 324?”
The Short Answer: YES. The Long Answer: Because there is no separate PPV fee, the “Free Trial” now unlocks the entire event, including the Main Event title fight.
The “Main Card Money” Hack:
- Sign up for the Paramount+ 7-Day Free Trial.
- Use this to watch UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett (Main Card included) for free.
- Cancel the trial on Sunday.
- Total Cost: $0.00. (Compare that to the $90 you would have spent in 2025).
Click Here to Activate 7-Day Paramount+ Trial
📊 Visual Breakdown: The “Zero Cost” Strategy
Here is exactly how the math works for your wallet compared to the old ESPN era.
graph TD
A[How to Watch UFC 324?] --> B{Which Era?}
B -->|2025 ESPN Model| C[Pay Subscription $10.99]
C --> D[Pay PPV Fee $79.99]
D --> E(Total Cost: $90.98)
B -->|2026 Paramount Model| F[Pay Subscription $12.99]
F --> G[Use 7-Day Free Trial?]
G -->|NO| H(Total Cost: $12.99)
G -->|YES| I(Total Cost: $0.00!)
style E fill:#ff9999,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
style I fill:#99ff99,stroke:#333,stroke-width:4px🌍 Global Start Time Reference Map
Don’t miss the fight because of the time zone change. The main card starts one hour earlier (9 PM ET) than usual.
| Region | City | Date | Main Card Start Time | Broadcast Partner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA (East) | New York | Sat, Jan 24 | 9:00 PM | Paramount+ |
| 🇺🇸 USA (West) | Las Vegas | Sat, Jan 24 | 6:00 PM | Paramount+ |
| 🇬🇧 UK | London | Sun, Jan 25 | 2:00 AM | TNT Sports |
| 🇪🇺 Europe | Paris/Berlin | Sun, Jan 25 | 3:00 AM | RMC / DAZN |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Abu Dhabi | Sun, Jan 25 | 6:00 AM | UFC Arabia |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Sydney | Sun, Jan 25 | 1:00 PM | Kayo Sports |
🌍 International Viewers (UK, Canada, Australia)
The “No PPV” deal is primarily for the United States. If you are outside the US, the old rules likely still apply.
- 🇬🇧 UK Fans: The card remains on TNT Sports Box Office.
- 🇨🇦 Canada: Available via DAZN and local cable providers.
- 🇦🇺 Australia: You can catch UFC 325 (Sydney) next week live, but 324 is still on Kayo Sports Main Event.
🥊 The Fight Card (New Start Times)
With the move to Paramount+, the main card now starts one hour earlier than usual.
- Early Prelims: 5:00 PM ET (Paramount+ Only)
- Televised Prelims: 7:00 PM ET (CBS Sports & Paramount+)
- Main Card: 9:00 PM ET (Paramount+)
Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett Co-Main: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes
💰 Betting on the Fights?
Since you just saved $80 on the PPV, you have extra bankroll to work with. We recommend BetUS or BetWhale for the biggest bonuses.
Option 1: The Massive Welcome Bonus (Best for Cash)
- BetUS offers the highest sign-up bonus in the industry: 125% up to $2,500.
- The Math: If you deposit $100, you play with $225. That’s free money to bet on Gaethje.
- Why we like them: They post “Prop Odds” (like Method of Victory) earlier than almost anyone else.
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Option 2: The Instant Crypto Payouts (Best for Speed)
- BetWhale is our top pick for modern bettors.
- The Perks: Instant crypto deposits/withdrawals and zero strict KYC headaches.
- The Offer: They offer a massive 250% Crypto Welcome Bonus for new players.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I really watch the Main Card with the Free Trial? A: Yes. Since Paramount+ does not charge a separate PPV fee, the standard subscription (which has a free trial) unlocks all content, including UFC numbered events.
Q: Can I watch the replay if I miss the live fight? A: Yes. The full fight card will be available on-demand on Paramount+ immediately after the broadcast ends.
Q: Can I watch on my TV (Roku, FireStick, Apple TV)? A: Absolutely. The Paramount+ app is available on all major smart TV platforms. Just log in with your account.
Q: What if I am traveling outside the US? A: Paramount+ content is region-locked. If you are traveling, you may need to use a reliable VPN set to a US server to access your account, or check the local broadcast partner (like TNT Sports in the UK).
🏁 Final Verdict
UFC 324 marks a massive shift for MMA fans. The days of paying $80 for a single night of fights are over.
Your Action Plan:
- Friday/Saturday: Activate your Paramount+ Free Trial.
- Saturday Night: Watch Gaethje vs. Pimblett for free.
- Sunday: Cancel the trial (or keep it for $12.99) and cash out your winning tickets on BetUS.
Enjoy the fights and let’s make some money!
Disclaimer: Main Card Money is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission if you sign up via links on this page.