The UFC's highly anticipated move to Paramount is almost here, and fans are buzzing with excitement. But here's the burning question: What blockbuster main event will kick off this new era on January 24th at UFC 324? With the promotion shifting from ESPN, expectations are sky-high for a fight card that will lure in droves of new Paramount+ subscribers. And this is where things get really interesting – UFC CEO Dana White is rumored to drop a bombshell announcement during the Chiefs-Cowboys Thanksgiving game on CBS, according to Adam Martin on X (https://x.com/MMAdamMartin/status/1993788703727341751). So, what could possibly live up to the hype? Below, we rank the five most likely – and frankly, the only truly worthy – main events that could headline the UFC's Paramount debut, each with the potential to be a game-changer.
1. Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett: The Undeniable Choice
Let’s cut to the chase: this is the fight to make. While Arman Tsarukyan recently returned with a stunning win over Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar (https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/11/22/ufc-qatar-arman-tsarukyan-submits-dan-hooker-calls-out-ilia-topuria/87421724007/), there’s no rush to throw him into the mix. Pimblett, undefeated in seven UFC appearances and ranked No. 5, has already faced the champ (https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/06/29/ufc-317-dana-white-ilia-topuria-vs-paddy-pimblett/84405435007/) and shares a heated history with Topuria (https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/11/21/ufc-qatar-video-ilia-topuria-runs-into-paddy-pimblett-confrontation-future-title-fight-opponent/87390709007/), arguably the biggest star in MMA today. This matchup isn’t just a fight – it’s must-see TV, loaded with personal drama and high stakes. If the UFC opts for another Justin Gaethje title fight instead, fans will be left scratching their heads in disappointment.
2. Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes: The Superfight We’ve All Been Waiting For
Harrison, the current queen of women’s MMA, versus Nunes, the undisputed GOAT – need we say more? These two former friends and training partners at American Top Team (https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/6/8/24445281/amanda-nunes-kayla-harrison-led-her-leaving-american-top-team-i-knew-this-fight-would-happen-one-day) have a story that writes itself. On paper, this is an elite-level matchup, but add in their complex history, and you’ve got a fight that demands the spotlight (https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/06/20/ufc-kayla-harrison-amanda-nunes-superfight-so-special/84279667007/). This isn’t just a main event – it’s a cultural moment for women’s MMA.
3. Khamzat Chimaev vs. Nassourdine Imavov: The Boogeyman’s First Defense
While this matchup doesn’t quite reach the heights of the first two, it’s still a solid contender. Chimaev, the UFC’s resident “boogeyman,” defending his middleweight title against Imavov would be a compelling way to introduce new Paramount+ viewers to his dominance. It’s not the flashiest option, but it’s a safe bet to draw eyes to the screen.
4. Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane: Unfinished Business in the Heavyweight Division
Heavyweight fights are always a draw, and this one has a score to settle. After their UFC 321 main event ended in a no contest due to Gane’s eye pokes (https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/10/25/ufc-321-tom-aspinall-vs-ciryl-gane-results/86904676007/), the timing is perfect for a rematch – provided Aspinall’s eye has fully healed. This fight would bring the glamour of the heavyweight division to Paramount’s debut, giving fans the knockout action they crave.
5. Alex Pereira vs. Carlos Ulberg: The Reliable Star
If all else fails, there’s always Alex Pereira. The man has bailed out the UFC countless times with short-notice headline fights, solidifying his status as a legend. While the matchup with Ulberg might not be a household name clash, Pereira’s star power alone makes it must-see TV. He’s the ultimate insurance policy for the UFC, and putting him in this prime spot would be a no-brainer.
But here’s where it gets controversial... Should the UFC prioritize star power and personal rivalries (Topuria vs. Pimblett) or go for the historical significance of a Nunes vs. Harrison superfight? And let’s not forget – is Chimaev’s “boogeyman” persona enough to carry a main event on its own? Weigh in below – which fight would you choose to kick off the UFC’s Paramount era? And do you think Dana White will deliver on the hype? Let the debate begin!
