UFC released its first-quarter 2026 schedule, starting with UFC 324 as the debut on Paramount+ featuring two title fights. The event occurred last Saturday without the planned Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes co-main due to issues. This kicks off UFC's new partnership era with significant finishes and a new interim champion crowned. A rumored massive White House event in June with five title bouts is hyped as potentially the biggest in UFC history. These updates signal aggressive early-year matchmaking amid broadcasting shifts. Fans can anticipate further PPV and Fight Night cards detailed soon.[3]
The UFC has unveiled its first-quarter 2026 schedule, headlined by UFC 324 as the inaugural event under the promotion's new partnership with Paramount+. The card featured two title fights and marked a significant shift in how the UFC delivers its biggest events to fans, though the night was not without complications.
Among the notable absences from UFC 324 was a planned co-main event between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes, which fell through due to unspecified issues. The matchup had generated considerable anticipation. Harrison, 35, carries a 16-1 record and has established herself as one of the most dominant grapplers in women's MMA, averaging an extraordinary 22.5 takedowns per 15 minutes. The American fighter also posts a striking accuracy of 73 percent, among the highest in the sport.
Nunes, 38, brings a 23-5 record and the kind of finishing pedigree that defines a generation. The Brazilian out of Lioness Studio lands 4.55 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy and adds a consistent grappling threat with 2.73 takedowns per 15 minutes. At 38, she remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history.
Despite the co-main falling off the card, UFC 324 still delivered meaningful results, including significant finishes and a new interim champion being crowned.
Why it matters
- UFC 324 launched the Paramount+ era, reshaping how fans access premier UFC content
- The Harrison-Nunes co-main falling through leaves a high-profile women's matchup unresolved heading into the rest of 2026
- A reported White House event in June, rumored to feature five title bouts, could stand as the largest card in UFC history if it materializes
- The aggressive early-year scheduling signals the promotion intends to move quickly in establishing its new broadcast identity
