The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to make a significant shift in its broadcast schedule with the launch of its partnership with Paramount. Starting with UFC 324, the main card will begin at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT, marking a permanent change from the traditional 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT start time. This move is part of the UFC's transition away from the pay-per-view model, as it airs events exclusively on Paramount+ with a standard subscription price. The change is a notable departure from the past, where the UFC experimented with an earlier start time but eventually returned to the standard time. The new schedule is a strategic move to align with the streaming service's programming and potentially attract a broader audience. The partnership with Paramount is a significant development for the UFC, as it aims to reach a wider audience and offer a more accessible viewing experience. The upcoming events, including UFC 324 and UFC 325, will be available on Paramount+, with potential future broadcasts on CBS. The UFC's final event with ESPN is on December 13, and the next major event, UFC 324, is set for January 24, 2025. The card features an interim lightweight title fight between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, and a bantamweight title defense by Kayla Harrison against Amanda Nunes. The featherweight champion, Alexander Volkanovski, will also return to action at UFC 325, facing Diego Lopes in a highly anticipated rematch.
