Event: UFC 324
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Co-Main Event: Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes – UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title Bout
Broadcast: Paramount+
Odds:
Kayla Harrison: –220 (favorite)
Amanda Nunes: +180 (underdog)
UFC 324 delivers one of the most anticipated women’s title fights in MMA history as reigning champion Kayla Harrison defends her bantamweight belt against returning legend Amanda Nunes. It’s a matchup that blends eras; the sport’s most dominant modern physical force against the most accomplished female fighter of all time.
For Harrison, this bout represents validation at the highest level of the UFC. For Nunes, it’s a chance to reclaim gold and remind the division why she once ruled with near-total dominance.
The matchup serves as the co-main event to Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title; a main event that carries its own significant title-unification implications.
Current Moneyline Odds (via BetMGM):
Kayla Harrison: –220 (favorite)
Amanda Nunes: +180 (underdog)
The betting market has installed Kayla Harrison as a clear but measured favorite, reflecting her size, strength, and control-heavy fighting style in a five-round championship setting. At –220, oddsmakers are backing Harrison’s ability to dictate where the fight takes place and accumulate control time over the course of the bout.
Amanda Nunes at +180 remains a respected underdog. Her championship experience, striking power, and finishing instincts ensure she’s never out of a fight, but bettors appear cautious given the stylistic matchup and her time away from competition. Against a physically imposing champion like Harrison, sustained success likely requires early damage rather than prolonged exchanges.
As with most title fights involving contrasting styles, the odds suggest that control and consistency are being priced above explosive upside — a key theme bettors will need to weigh carefully.
Women’s Bantamweight – Co-Main Event
Kayla Harrison | Amanda Nunes | |
17–1–0 | Record | 23–5–0 |
35 | Age | 37 |
5′8″ | Height | 5′8″ |
135 lbs | Weight | 135 lbs |
66″ | Reach | 69″ |
4.74 | SLpM | 4.40 |
51% | Striking Accuracy | 52% |
43% | Takedown Accuracy | 50% |
70% | Takedown Defense | 80% |
Champion | UFC Ranking | Former Champion |
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This matchup is less about explosive moments and more about sustained control. Amanda Nunes remains dangerous, particularly early, but over five rounds, Kayla Harrison’s physical advantages are difficult to ignore.
Harrison’s clinch work, takedown pressure, and ability to dictate where the fight takes place should allow her to neutralize much of Nunes’ striking power. While Nunes has the edge in pure stand-up exchanges, maintaining that advantage while defending repeated grappling attempts is a tall order.
As the fight progresses, Harrison’s strength and positional control are likely to sap Nunes’ output, turning the later rounds into a battle of attrition. Unless Nunes finds a decisive moment early, the fight is expected to trend toward Harrison controlling pace, position, and scoring across the championship rounds.
Harrison’s strengths align perfectly with a five-round title fight:
Elite clinch control and top pressure
Olympic-level judo adapted for MMA
Size and strength advantage at bantamweight
Ability to sap opponents’ energy over time
Proven success dictating fight location
Harrison doesn’t need to rush. Her game is built around accumulation; wearing opponents down physically and mentally until openings appear.
Despite entering as the underdog, Nunes remains one of the most dangerous fighters in MMA history:
Fight-ending power in both hands
High-level striking and timing
Elite championship experience
Ability to capitalize on small mistakes
Nunes’ best path is an early or mid-fight finish. If she can keep the fight standing, punish entries, and force Harrison to respect her power, she can change the fight instantly.
Opinions remain divided among MMA veterans, with much of the discussion centered on whether experience and striking can overcome size and grappling pressure.
Former UFC champion Cris Cyborg weighed in on the matchup, acknowledging Kayla Harrison’s physicality and control but ultimately leaning toward Amanda Nunes’ experience and adaptability at the highest level. Speaking to MMA Junkie, Cyborg pointed to Nunes’ ability to manage elite opponents and navigate difficult stylistic challenges.
“Amanda has been there so many times. She knows how to fight five rounds, how to adjust, and how to deal with pressure,” Cyborg said, while also noting Harrison’s strength and grappling presence as a legitimate threat.
Cyborg’s take reflects a common theme among analysts: Harrison’s size and clinch control are real advantages, but Nunes’ championship résumé, fight IQ, and comfort in long title fights keep her firmly in contention, particularly if she can keep the fight standing early.
The broader consensus suggests that if the fight becomes a prolonged grappling battle, Harrison’s edge grows, while extended striking exchanges favor the former champion.
Odds (via BetMGM): –220
Harrison’s moneyline reflects the most reliable path to victory in this matchup. Her clinch control, takedown pressure, and ability to dictate where the fight takes place make her the safer side over five rounds. While Nunes’ power is always a factor, Harrison’s control-heavy style is better suited to winning minutes consistently.
Odds Range: +110 to +140
This matchup profiles as a methodical title fight rather than a shootout. Harrison tends to prioritize position and control over reckless finishing attempts, while Nunes is durable when not caught clean. Over five rounds, a decision outcome is very much in play — and offers plus-money value.
Prop Value: +125 to +175
This prop aligns perfectly with Harrison’s most likely win condition. If she succeeds in neutralizing Nunes’ striking and repeatedly forces clinches and takedowns, she can bank rounds through top control and positional dominance rather than chasing a finish. At plus money, this is the strongest Harrison-specific angle on the board.
Betting Summary
🟢 Safest play: Harrison moneyline
🎯 Best value: Harrison by decision
⚖️ High-upside lean: Fight goes the distance
Saturday, January 24, 2026, at UFC 324.
The UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
As of publication, Kayla Harrison is favored at –220, while Amanda Nunes is the underdog at +180, according to BetMGM.
UFC 324 will stream live on Paramount+ in the United States.
Yes, this marks Nunes’ return following time away from competition.
No. Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes have never fought before. UFC 324 marks the first meeting between the reigning bantamweight champion and the former two-division titleholder.
