You’ve been checking your calendar, and yeah, things feel a little quiet right now. If you're looking for the Octagon this weekend, you're going to find a whole lot of nothing. The UFC is currently in that brief, agonizing winter lull that happens every January after the first big pay-per-view of the year.
When is next ufc fight? Well, the wait is almost over, but you need to know that the broadcast situation has changed. Like, completely.
The next time you see fighters walking out to "Face the Pain," it won't be on ESPN+. On Saturday, January 24, 2026, the UFC officially enters the Paramount+ era. This isn't just a minor shift; it's a massive move that has left some fans scrambling to figure out which app they actually need to open.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett (The Big Return)
The dry spell ends with a bang at UFC 324 in Las Vegas. We are looking at a headliner that is basically a guaranteed car crash in the best way possible. Justin "The Highlight" Gaethje is taking on Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.
Honestly, it’s a weird fight. Gaethje is a human wrecking ball who eats leg kicks for breakfast. Pimblett is the loud-mouthed Scouser who has somehow memed his way into a title shot. Because the undisputed champ, Ilia Topuria, has basically said he’s taking the first quarter of the year off for personal reasons, the UFC had to do something to keep the 155-pound division moving.
Enter the interim belt.
What You Need to Know About the Card
- Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
- Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett (Interim Lightweight Title).
- Co-Main Event Chaos: This was supposed to be the massive return of Amanda Nunes against Kayla Harrison. Unfortunately, Harrison had to pull out just a few days ago due to neck surgery for herniated discs. It’s a bummer. The UFC is currently scrambling to keep Nunes on the card, but for now, the co-main slot is a bit of a question mark.
- The "Suga" Factor: Sean O’Malley is back. He’s fighting Song Yadong in a bantamweight clash that has "Fight of the Night" written all over it.
The main card is scheduled to start at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT). If you’re used to the old ESPN+ login, forget it. You’ll need a Paramount+ subscription to catch this one.
Why the UFC Schedule Looks Different This Year
If you feel like the rhythm of the fights is off, you aren't imagining things. The 2026 schedule is packed—we’re talking 43 events in total—but the locations are shifting.
After Vegas, the circus heads straight to Australia. UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 is happening on January 31, 2026, in Sydney. Watching Volk fight at home is always special, but the Diego Lopes rematch is particularly spicy given how much Lopes has improved since their first short-notice scrap.
Then we get into February. It’s a mix of road shows and what the UFC is now calling "Meta APEX" events.
Wait, Meta APEX?
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Yeah, Mark Zuckerberg’s company officially bought the naming rights to the APEX in Las Vegas. They’ve spent the last month renovating it to include "interactive VR experiences." Basically, if you’re watching from home with a headset, you might be able to feel like you’re sitting front row without paying $5,000 for a ticket.
Upcoming Dates to Circle
- February 7: UFC Fight Night (Meta APEX) - Bautista vs. Oliveira.
- February 21: UFC Fight Night (Houston) - Strickland vs. Hernandez.
- February 28: UFC Fight Night (Mexico City) - Moreno vs. Almabayev.
- March 7: UFC 326 (Las Vegas) - Holloway vs. Oliveira 2.
The Holloway vs. Oliveira rematch is the one everyone is talking about. Max Holloway has looked like a god lately, and Charles "Do Bronx" is... well, he’s Charles. It’s a legacy fight.
The White House Rumor is Actually Real
Look, I know it sounds like something from a fever dream, but the UFC is legitimately planning a card at the White House on June 14, 2026.
Dana White and President Trump have been talking about this for a year. It’s part of the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations. It won't be a full arena—obviously, the South Lawn has its limits—but the plan is for five title fights. There are even rumors of a "legend" fight, possibly involving a certain Irishman who hasn't fought in a while, though we’ve heard that story before.
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When Is Next UFC Fight: Actionable Checklist for Fans
If you want to make sure you don't miss the transition to the new broadcast era, here is what you need to do before January 24:
- Check your Paramount+ Subscription: This is the big one. If you’re in the US, Latin America, or Australia, this is your new home for the UFC. The era of the ESPN+ PPV model is shifting into a more subscription-heavy model for these numbered events.
- Adjust Your Clock for Sydney: When UFC 325 rolls around on Jan 31, remember that Sydney is ahead. For US viewers, that means the fights will likely start Friday night or very early Saturday morning depending on your time zone.
- Track the Harrison/Nunes News: Keep an eye on the official UFC social feeds over the next 48 hours. If they find a replacement for Kayla Harrison, that UFC 324 card remains a monster. If not, the ticket prices might actually dip a little.
- Get the "Meta" Updates: If you own an Oculus or Meta Quest headset, check for the UFC integration update. The Feb 7 Apex card will be the first one to use the new immersive tech.
The sport is changing fast. Between the streaming moves, the stadium tours, and the tech partnerships, 2026 is shaping up to be the most "experimental" year in UFC history. Just make sure you're on the right app when the first whistle blows in Vegas.
Actionable Insight: Download the Paramount+ app today and ensure your login works. Don't be the person trying to reset their password while the Gaethje vs. Pimblett walkouts are already happening. If you're a die-hard fan, consider looking into the Meta Quest integration early for the February APEX cards, as the "virtual cageside" seats are expected to have a limited capacity even in digital space.