An MMA Fighting panel, including Alexander K. Lee, Mike Heck, and Jed Meshew, discussed the upcoming UFC 324 event. The event, scheduled six weeks after the last UFC fix, includes an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, and a co-main event featuring a former UFC champion. Notably, it is the UFC's first numbered event of 2026 and marks the kickoff of its partnership with Paramount. The card lacks undisputed titles, as bantamweight queen Kayla Harrison postponed her fight with Amanda Nunes due to neck surgery.
Card Strength Assessment
The panel evaluated UFC 324's card quality. Alexander K. Lee considered it a relatively strong calendar-starter, comparing it favorably to recent January pay-per-views (UFC 311, UFC 297, UFC 283, UFC 270, UFC 257, UFC 246). He noted that 13 ranked fighters are scheduled, with four fights potentially producing next title challengers, despite the absence of the Harrison vs. Nunes bout.
Mike Heck also assessed UFC 324 as one of the best in terms of card quality in the post-COVID era for a January numbered event, possibly on par with UFC 311. He cited weaker undercards in previous events like UFC 257 and UFC 297.
Jed Meshew acknowledged the card's quality, stating it is "pretty darn good." He emphasized that UFC 324 is designed to attract new fans rather than solely cater to hardcore enthusiasts, especially with the removal of the pay-per-view paywall for new viewers. He suggested that the absence of Harrison vs. Nunes might even benefit this broader vision.
Lightweight Title Implications
The panel discussed whether the winner of the main event (Gaethje or Pimblett) could be considered the true No. 1 lightweight.
Lee argued that the winner would not be the true No. 1 lightweight, citing Ilia Topuria as the undisputed champion and the continued presence of Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan. He also mentioned Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira, who have stoppage wins over Gaethje.
Heck concurred, stating that the winner would not even be the true No. 2 lightweight, given Topuria and Tsarukyan. He noted the depth of the division, including Holloway and Oliveira. While acknowledging Gaethje's status as a must-see fighter in potentially his last title shot, and Pimblett's ongoing improvement, he concluded neither could surpass Tsarukyan.
Meshew presented a differing view, arguing that a case could be made for the winner, particularly Paddy Pimblett. He contended that there isn't a clear-cut true champion in the lightweight division, as Islam Makhachev vacated the title, and Ilia Topuria's claim is based on one meaningful win. Meshew suggested that if Pimblett, who is undefeated in the UFC, were to defeat Gaethje, he could make a case for being the No. 1 lightweight, especially in the absence of an undisputed top contender.
Favorite Undercard Matchups
Each panelist highlighted their favorite matchup outside the main event:
- Alexander K. Lee: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva, due to the unpredictability and high stakes for both fighters.
- Mike Heck: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis, emphasizing its potential to determine a title challenger and its likely entertainment value.
- Jed Meshew: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong, describing it as a "perfect matchup of talent and excitement" and an opportunity for O'Malley to showcase his skills against an ascending, well-rounded opponent.