On this date in 2009, a remarkable display earned a fighter one of the sport’s most significant matchups.
UFC 324 may not have unfolded exactly as the organization intended, yet it still marked a promising beginning for a new chapter.
Last year, the UFC revealed its partnership with Paramount+, moving all its events in the U.S. behind a monthly subscription model.
With the lowered financial barrier, the upcoming clash between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is expected to attract a huge audience leading into the 2026 season.
That said, there’s potential for even greater exposure if the UFC resumes airing events on network TV through CBS, as it has done previously.
Brett Rogers halts Andrei Arlovski to pave the way for a major bout with Fedor Emelianenko
Back in 2009, Brett Rogers emerged as a top challenger in Strikeforce’s heavyweight division by defeating Andrei Arlovski in just 22 seconds in St. Louis, Missouri.
Although Arlovski is set to face a longtime rival at BKFC’s Knucklemania later today, having lost to Fedor Emelianenko earlier that year, it made perfect sense for Rogers’ next step to be against the legendary Russian.
This non-title fight was the main event of Strikeforce’s landmark November 2009 card.
Airing on CBS, the event drew a strong viewership, with an estimated 4.04 million tuning in and a peak of 5.46 million.
Emelianenko’s famous undefeated streak ended the following year when he stopped Rogers in two rounds, finishing with a remarkable run of 28 fights without defeat.
The four-fight main card also showcased other top talents like Jake Shields, Jason Miller, Gegard Mousasi, Fabricio Werdum, and Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
Differing perspectives on the UFC’s CBS broadcast plans
Last year, Dana White announced that June’s White House events would be broadcast live for free on CBS as part of the promotion’s new TV deal.
All 13 numbered UFC events—including the upcoming UFC 326—are slated to be streamed on Paramount+, with four major cards also expected to air on network television.
However, in December, White clarified these remarks, stating that the White House event would actually be on Paramount+, not CBS.
“We might have some prelims on CBS, but the main fights will be on Paramount+,” he told The Mac Life. “There will be fights on CBS, but the majority is on Paramount+.”
Fan Take:
This shift to streaming with occasional CBS broadcasts is crucial for expanding MMA’s audience while preserving accessibility. For fight fans, it signals a balancing act between innovation and tradition, which could shape the sport’s growth in the coming years.
