5 Burning Questions for UFC 324
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UFC 324 is right around the corner, and the promotion hasn’t seen a shake-up like this in years. After nearly a decade on ESPN, the UFC has entered a new chapter with a $7.7 billion deal to move its broadcast home to Paramount.
It’s a shift that impacts everything: PPV distribution, mainstream accessibility, international reach, and even how the sport is positioned in the broader entertainment landscape. But does a new network truly mean a new era for the UFC? Or will the product stay the same despite the platform change?
We ask 5 Burning Questions that help break down what this shift might actually mean for fans, fighters, and the future of the sport ahead of UFC 324:
#1. What are your expectations for the UFC’s new era moving to Paramount under a $7.7 billion deal?
Lee: My expectations for the UFC won’t change just because they moved from ESPN to Paramount. One clear benefit for fans is avoiding PPV costs as long as they’re subscribers. Select UFC events will also simulcast on CBS, making them free with an over-the-air antenna.
It’s unclear how this affects international fans, but Paramount is already pursuing global UFC rights, showing serious commitment. Netflix had buffering issues with live sports early on, but they’ve mostly resolved them. So, hopefully Paramount avoids the same problems. I’m curious to see how the viewing experience compares to ESPN and FOX.
Evan: I’m pretty much with Lee here, I don’t really expect all that much to be different. Outside of new production choices, to me there isn’t going to be much that changes. The harsh reality some may not want to accept is the growth of MMA has stagnated and plateaued. With Dana White essentially mailing it in now more than he ever has, and the promotion alienating some by leaning into its support of far-right MAGA politics, the UFC’s popularity has taken a hit.
So moving over to Paramount isn’t going to necessarily fix any of those issues. There’s also going to be growing pains with how they choose to promote the UFC. Whether it has been Bellator, EliteXC or Strikeforce in the past, this is a company that has struggled to package and promote MMA to a broader audience.
I do think the exposure on a network like CBS though, will provide a chance to breakthrough to new fans. But ultimately, I don’t see much changing for the product as a whole, let alone Paramount ever making back their nearly $8 billion investment into the UFC.
#2. With Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett causing backlash, is ignoring rankings & meritocracy becoming the UFC’s new norm?
Lee: The UFC is punishing Arman Tsarukyan for pulling out of a main event. But, he’s not the first—or last—fighter to face consequences for that. He came back and won his “punishment fight,” so it’s time to move on.
Honestly, the rankings mostly serve casual fans as a rough gauge of a fighter’s standing. In reality, matchmaking has ignored the rankings for years. While surprise contenders can generate buzz, those numbers should still matter for title shots. I’ve never been a fan of interim belts, and while it’d be great to see rankings regain meaning, that era feels long gone.
Evan: This isn’t anything new that the Dana White and the UFC has done. He’s held grudges against multiple fighters for years now. Tsarukyan just happens to be the latest victim unfortunately. The promotion has and always will favor certain individuals over others.
They’ve really never based their matchmaking on a meritocratic process ever if we’re being honest. As Lee stated, the rankings are ultimately meaningless and have been for some time now. This is just the most recent, glaring example of it.
Between Arman being bypassed here, Diego Lopes getting gifted one of the most undeserved title shot rematches over both Lerone Murphy and Mosvar Evloev, and Kamaru Usman expected to get the next crack at Islam Makhachev despite the fact he’s got one win in the last three years, tells you all you need to know.
White say the UFC is where the best fight the best, but is that true? He gaslights any criticism or pushback towards this matchmaking, going back to his patented playbook of if you don’t like it, don’t watch. This approach has had a ripple effect throughout the promotion.
Dana’s pettiness has no limits. As long as he’s more focused on other ventures like hyping Power Slap’s legitimacy or starting Zuffa Boxing this year, the UFC’s brand will continue to operate this way.
#3. If Paddy Pimblett wins, will this be the defining moment that fully ushers in a new generation at lightweight?
Lee: This is a good question. If Justin Gaethje loses at UFC 324, it’s clear the new generation is taking over. Even with Ilia Topuria capturing the title, a new era at lightweight is underway. Pimblett, Tsarukyan, BSD, Manuel Torres, and Mauricio Ruffy represent the rising wave.
Vets like Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, and Michael Chandler will have to fight to maintain their spots. It’s always good for the sport when fresh blood challenges the old guard… Just look at the light heavyweight division after Jon Jones moved up. That hunger and energy is now hitting lightweight, signaling a real shift in the division.
Evan: I’m once again mostly on the same page with Lee. If Pimblett defeats Gaethje, especially in decisive fashion, this will no question seem like the pivot point to a new era at lightweight. What’s happening currently at 155, is similar to the transition we saw take place at 170 over the last year or so.
The new generation of welterweight contenders started to push out the old guard nearly one by one, leading to a complete divisional turnover now. That process has been slower at lightweight because the older generation was more stubborn in stopping the rise of young contenders. But with Khabib Nurmagomedov long gone from the sport, Dustin Poirier now retired, and Conor McGregor having not fought in almost five years, the golden age at 155 of the last decade has eroded.
Plus you add in that Beneil Dariush, Charles Oliveira, Dan Hooker, Michael Chandler, and Renato Moicano are a combined 12-13 in their last 25 fights, this paints the picture more clearly too. It’s been a more gradual takeover. But, Paddy Pimblett defeating Gaethje would most certainly be the arrival and ushering in of a new crop of stars at lightweight.
#4. How important are O’Malley-Yadong and Nurmagomedov-Figueiredo in determining the next bantamweight title challenger?
Lee: The UFC is hoping that Sean O’Malley beats Yadong in spectacular fashion so they can put him in a fight with Petr Yan. But in my perfect world, Merab gets a rematch first and forces O’Malley to fight Umar (if he wins Saturday).
The Bantamweight division will only be in flux if Merab loses to Yan again. I love the fights for the bantamweights on this UFC 324 card. It shows quality matchmaking and maybe even showing that the rankings do matter. I know my answer is not definitive. But, we all should know by now that the UFC does what is best for business and not what’s best for the spirit of competition.
Evan: This one is tricky for me because as Lee already mentioned, there’s always the option the UFC gives Merab an immediate rematch. So in that scenario, his shadow is still looming large over the bantamweight division.
But there’s no question the promotion would love to give one of their favorite poster boys in O’Malley another title shot if he defeats Yadong. Especially with them looking to push more American stars now in the Paramount era. That’s not to mention how good his first fight with Yan was and the controversy that surrounded the decision too.
Nurmagomedov I’m less convinced can earn another championship opportunity with a victory over Figueiredo. In the chance that either Deiveson or Song pulls off upsets though, I’m not sure they’ll be granted shots because both have already lost to Yan in pretty decisive manner. Until we know if Merab will receive the rematch or not, I actually think 135 is less wide open now and more convoluted.
#5. What other matchups or fights on the card are you most excited for and deserve more attention?
Lee: My honorable mention goes to the ageless Michael Johnson taking on Alexander Hernandez. The fight that I have to watch will be Umar Nurmagomedov taking on former flyweight champ Deiveson Figueiredo. Umar’s wrestling is absolutely suffocating but “Figgy” is no slouch on the mat.
The winner of this fight will be the fighter that can win the striking exchanges. Umar, known for his wrestling, is sneaky good on his feet as well. Although Figueiredo has struggled against elite grapplers since joining the bantamweight division he is still one of the better strikers at 135.
Figueiredo brings legitimate finishing power with nine knockouts and nine submissions across his career. But, Umar’s methodical approach and his ability to control pace should limit those openings.
Evan: The choice for me has to be the matchup between Arnold Allen and Jean Silva. There’s an argument to be made that this could be the best fight on the entire card. Both are fringe title contenders that are in desperate need of a win.
Allen is coming off an 18 month layoff, whereas Silva was completely audited for his recklessness in his last outing losing to Diego Lopes. The stylistic contrast of these two could lead to a very compelling, tactical, barnburner, slugfest of a fight. I also like some of the prelims too.
Ateba Gautier is one of the most exciting prospects in the sport at the moment, so his bout against Andrey Pulyaev is a must watch. Additionally, Alex Perez–Charles Johnson, Alexander Hernandez-Michael Johnson, Nikita Krylov-Modestas Bukauskas, Josh Hokit-Denzel Freeman, and Ricky Turcios-Cameron Smotherman, are all quality scraps fans should find some enjoyment in.
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