The highly anticipated UFC 324 event, scheduled for 24 January at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, has been dramatically reshaped following the surprise withdrawal of reigning bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison. Harrison has been forced out of her title defence against the returning legend Amanda Nunes after undergoing emergency neck surgery.
The news broke via an emotional video posted by Harrison on Instagram, where she appeared visibly distressed while wearing a neck brace in a hospital bed. The 35-year-old confirmed the necessity of the procedure and apologised to Nunes, her fans, and the promotion for the sudden cancellation of what many observers had dubbed "the biggest women's fight of all time." UFC President Dana White had previously touted the clash as a monumental event in women's MMA history.
Harrison Undergoes Surgery, Title Defense Postponed
Harrison, who joined the UFC promotion in 2024 and swiftly captured the belt by defeating Julianna Pena in June, revealed that the surgery took place in New York City. "This is day one of recovery," she stated, underscoring the seriousness of the ailment and her immediate focus on rehabilitation. Winning the title in only her third UFC appearance cemented her status as a dominant force, making this injury setback all the more poignant.
The bout against Nunes was set to be a clash of generations and styles. Nunes, widely regarded as the greatest female mixed martial artist in history, was making her highly anticipated return after announcing her retirement in 2023. The Brazilian powerhouse is the only woman to have held UFC titles in two separate divisions (bantamweight and featherweight). Her return to challenge the newly crowned champion created immense buzz across the combat sports world.
UFC Responds to Card Changes
In the wake of Harrison's medical emergency, the Ultimate Fighting Championship has moved swiftly to adjust the UFC 324 fight card. While the main event remains intact, the co-main event status has been elevated. The UFC confirmed that the planned contest between former bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley and contender Song Yadong will now step into the co-headline slot.
The promotion has opted not to immediately announce a replacement opponent for Nunes, instead focusing on rescheduling the championship bout for a later date once Harrison has medically cleared her recovery timeline. Harrison took time to thank the UFC for their support during this difficult period, as well as expressing gratitude towards her coaches and family for managing childcare while she seeks treatment.
Pimblett vs. Gaethje Takes Centre Stage
With the co-main event vacated, the spotlight shines even brighter on the main attraction for the UK audience and fight fans globally. Britain's own Paddy Pimblett will headline the card, facing American veteran Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship. This fight carries significant implications for the lightweight division rankings, regardless of the title change drama on the undercard.
Pimblett, known for his electrifying performances and massive fan following, has moved rapidly up the ranks since joining the promotion. Facing Gaethje, a former interim champion renowned for his relentless pace and knockout power, presents Pimblett with his toughest test to date. The revised card structure ensures that UFC 324 still delivers high-stakes action, even without the marquee women’s title fight.
The Road Ahead for Women's Bantamweight
The injury places the women's bantamweight division into temporary limbo. Kayla Harrison’s reign has been short but impactful. Her recovery timeline will dictate when the division sees its next championship contest. For Amanda Nunes, this delay is another period of waiting as she seeks to reclaim the belt she vacated. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates from Harrison’s team regarding her rehabilitation progress over the coming weeks and months.
UFC 324 is still set to deliver a stacked night of fights on 24 January. While the absence of the Harrison-Nunes showdown is a major blow, the elevation of O'Malley vs. Yadong and the high-stakes lightweight title fight between Pimblett and Gaethje ensure the event remains a must-watch spectacle. Everythiiing.com will continue to provide updates on Kayla Harrison's recovery and any further changes to the UFC schedule.
