Fighters Respond to Dana White’s UFC 324, 325 Announcements
UFC fans eagerly awaited major announcements regarding the 2026 schedule, and Dana White delivered significant news recently. White outlined key headliners for the upcoming events, setting the stage for exciting matchups.
Key Announcements from Dana White
A major update involves the lightweight division. With champion Ilia Topuria taking a personal hiatus, the UFC has decided to introduce an interim belt at 155 pounds. An exciting matchup for the interim title will see Justin Gaethje face Paddy Pimblett.
Fighters Competing for the Interim Lightweight Title
- Justin Gaethje: Record of 26 wins and 5 losses (9-5 in UFC)
- Paddy Pimblett: Record of 23 wins and 3 losses (7-0 in UFC)
The interim title fight is scheduled as the main event for UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This event is highly anticipated, as it promises more than just the interim lightweight championship.
Women’s Bantamweight Championship Fight
Another highlight of UFC 324 will feature women’s bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison, who will face Amanda Nunes. Nunes is returning from retirement, making this fight one of the most significant in the history of women’s MMA.
Upcoming UFC 325 Event
Shortly after UFC 324, the UFC 325 event will take place on January 31, 2026, in Sydney. The main event will showcase Australian featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Main Event at UFC 325
- Alexander Volkanovski: Record of 27 wins and 4 losses (14-3 in UFC)
- Diego Lopes: Record of 27 wins and 7 losses (6-2 in UFC)
This rematch has generated considerable excitement in the MMA community, showcasing top talent from the featherweight division.
Community Reactions
After the announcements, the MMA community reacted on social media, expressing enthusiasm and anticipation for upcoming fights. Fans and fighters alike are looking forward to these pivotal events in 2026.