Get the coffee brewing, Liverpool. It’s time.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett is set to kick off the 2026 calendar in explosive fashion, and for fans in the United Kingdom, this isn’t just another Pay-Per-View. This is the night Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett finally gets his shot at UFC gold.
While the MMA world is buzzing about the “New Era” in the United States—where the event is moving to Paramount+ and dropping the PPV fee—for us across the pond, it is largely business as usual. TNT Sports Box Office remains the exclusive home for this massive card.
However, there is one major change that benefits UK viewers: The start time. Thanks to the new US broadcast deal, we are getting to bed one hour earlier than usual.
Here is your complete guide to the start times, the channel details, and how to watch Paddy Pimblett try to shock the world against Justin Gaethje.
📅 Date, Location & The “Paddy” Factor
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026 (Spilling into Sunday morning) Location: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada
The narrative for this fight is perfect. Justin Gaethje is the violent American gatekeeper, the former Interim Champion who breaks people for a living. Paddy Pimblett is the brash Scouser who has surfed a wave of hype, criticism, and cheeseburgers all the way to a title shot.
Originally, this card featured a massive co-main event between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, but with Harrison withdrawing due to injury, the card has reshuffled. But let’s be honest: If you are staying up until 4 AM in the UK, you are doing it for one reason. You want to see if The Baddy can actually do it.
⏰ What Time is UFC 324 in the UK?
For years, UK fight fans have endured the grueling 3:00 AM main card start time. But the new Paramount+ deal in America has shifted the schedule forward by one hour.
The Main Card now begins at 2:00 AM GMT.
| Session | US Time (ET) | UK Time (GMT/BST) | Approx. Main Event Start |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Prelims | 5:00 PM | 10:00 PM (Sat) | — |
| Prelims | 7:00 PM | 12:00 AM (Sun) | — |
| Main Card | 9:00 PM | 2:00 AM (Sun) | ~5:00 AM |
It might not sound like much, but that extra hour is a blessing when you are trying to power through until the main event. Here is the full session breakdown so you can set your alarms accordingly.
- Early Prelims (10:00 PM GMT): The night kicks off on Saturday evening. This is usually where you spot the up-and-coming talent.
- Televised Prelims (Midnight GMT): The action heats up as Saturday turns into Sunday. Expect this portion to feature rising contenders and established veterans fighting for their spot in the rankings.
- Main Card (2:00 AM GMT): The paywall lifts. This is when the lights go down at T-Mobile Arena and the biggest names make the walk.
- The Main Event Walkout (Approx. 4:30 AM – 5:00 AM GMT): If you only care about Gaethje vs. Pimblett, set your alarm for 4:15 AM to be safe. You do not want to miss the walkout.
📺 How to Watch UFC 324 in the UK
There has been some confusion online because American fans are getting this event “free” with a subscription. To be clear: This does not apply to the UK.
In the United Kingdom and Ireland, UFC 324 is a Pay-Per-View event exclusive to TNT Sports Box Office.
The Cost: The event is priced at £19.99 (or €29.99 in Ireland).
Where to Buy & Stream: You do not need a monthly TNT Sports subscription to buy this card. It is a standalone purchase available on almost every major platform:
- discovery+: This is the best option for streamers. You can buy the event through the discovery+ app or website and watch it on your smart TV, mobile, or laptop. The replay will also be available here immediately after the fight.
- Sky TV: Purchasable via your Sky remote on Channel 490.
- Virgin Media: Available in the On Demand section.
- EE TV & Prime Video Channels: You can also purchase access directly through these third-party hubs.
Note: Purchasing typically opens 7 days before the event (Friday, Jan 16). We recommend buying it a few hours early to avoid the last-minute server rush.
🥊 The Full Fight Card (UK Perspective)
Even with the Harrison cancellation, this card is stacked with European interest.
The Main Event: Gaethje vs. Pimblett This is the moment of truth. Gaethje absorbs an insane amount of damage (nearly 7 strikes per minute), but he dishes it out tenfold. Paddy has a 9/10 chin rating, but he leaves his head on the center line. Expect violence.
The Co-Main Event: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong With Harrison out, the “Suga Show” steps into the co-main slot. O’Malley is looking to bounce back and prove he is still the elite striker of the division against the heavy-handed Song Yadong.
Must-Watch for UK Fans: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva Don’t sleep on the Main Card opener. Ipswich’s own Arnold “Almighty” Allen returns to action against the chaotic Brazilian Jean Silva. Allen is looking to remind everyone why he was a top contender, and this stylistic clash of “Technical British Boxing” vs. “Brazilian Wildcard” is going to be a treat.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (UK Edition)
What time does the UFC 324 main card start in the UK? The main card begins at 2:00 AM GMT on Sunday, January 25, 2026 — an hour earlier than many past events thanks to the US broadcast change.
Is UFC 324 on TNT Sports or discovery+? Yes — exclusively via TNT Sports Box Office on discovery+, Sky, EE TV, Virgin Media, and Prime Video. Buy for £19.99; no subscription needed.
Can I watch UFC 324 for free in the UK? No official free option — but highlights and replays appear on discovery+ post-event.
Can I watch on Paramount+ in the UK? A: No. The Paramount+ deal is exclusive to the US and Latin America. If you try to log in to Paramount+ UK, the fight will not be there. You must use TNT Sports Box Office.
Is the event free if I already have TNT Sports? A: No. This is a “Box Office” event, meaning it is an extra £19.99 charge on top of your subscription.
What if I fall asleep? A: We’ve all been there. If you buy the event on discovery+, the full replay is usually available instantly after the broadcast ends, so you can watch it Sunday morning over breakfast without spoilers.
🏁 Final Verdict
Whether you are Team Highlight or part of the Baddy Army, this is the biggest night of the year for British MMA so far. The time difference is slightly better, the stakes are massive, and the card is stacked.
Get the snacks ready, get the energy drinks on ice, and enjoy the fights.
Check Out Our Official Betting Picks & Parlays for UFC 324 Here
