UFC makes it Paramount debut: A new fight era begins

Connor Colvin, Reporter • Jan 27, 2026

Sophomore Zachary Coates wears a Max Holloway shirt, who is a UFC. fighter. On Jan 24, fighters Justin Gaethje and Patty Pimblett will fight for the first event.

The new year starts off strong with the UFC, making a change from ESPN to Paramount. This deal was announced in August of 2025 and since the announcement, fight fans have been excited and couldn’t wait for it.

This change is important because with the Paramount deal, fans won’t have to buy pay per view to watch the fights anymore. Paper view costs $79.99 per numbered event. In total, $1,100 to watch every numbered event. But with the new deal, fans will be saving money. According to Paramount Plus, “The cost of UFC on Paramount plus will be included in your Paramount plus subscription which is 7.99 per month.”

The first fight card is UFC 324 which will happen on Jan. 24 at 5:00 p.m. and the main card starts at 9:00 p.m. The main event is an exciting one with Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimlet for the interim title in the lightweight division. Junior Paxton Besonen has an idea for how these fighters will pair up against each other.

“Paddy’s grappling will work well against Justin, but if the fight stays on the feet, I think Justin will get the knockout,” Besonen said.

The UFC 324’s card looks to be a great card and so does 325 with Alexander. Volkanovski vs Diego Lopez 2. This is their second fight, and Lopez is challenging Volk for his belt. Volk is considered the GOAT in the division, and Lopez is looked at as a fisty up and comer who wants to prove himself as a contender.

According to Onchainnews.blog, “He will need to avoid extended pocket exchanges where Lopes’ long hooks and flying knees become dangerous. He should lean on leg kicks, body shots, clinch control, and low-risk takedowns against the fence… the key is to turn moments into momentum… He needs to vary his attack with long jabs, body kicks, and selective bursts instead of constant chaotic offense.”

The first cards on Paramount are exciting and are going to have fans pumped. The UFC on Paramount is a deal that will be remembered because of how it benefited the fans and how the cost changes. To get more information about fight updates or times, go to ufc.com.

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About the Contributors

Connor Colvin, Reporter

Hi, my name is Connor Colvin, I’m a sophomore and this is my first year in newspaper. I play football, wrestle, and in my free time I like watching UFC, lifting, playing golf, and hanging out with family and friends. I‘m really excited to be a part of this newspaper.

Halle Brennan, Photographer

My name is Halle Brennan, and I’m a junior here at Eagle High. This is my second year as a photographer on the Stampede Newspaper. I enjoy going out with my friends, boating, swimming and being outdoors. I am excited to write for the Stampede this year!