UFC 324: Unexpected Results and Fresh Faces
Main Event: Paddy Pimblett Falls to Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett faced Justin Gaethje in his first title shot, but the experienced Gaethje proved too tough, securing a unanimous decision victory. This marked Pimblett's first loss in the UFC.
"Age is just a number," Gaethje showcased his resilience and experience.
Co-Main Event: O'Malley Edges Out Yadong
Sean O'Malley had a hard-fought victory against Song Yadong, winning by unanimous decision. Post-fight, O'Malley called out Petr Yan for a rematch, aiming to reclaim the title.
Heavyweight Showdown: Lewis Loses to Cortes-Acosta
Derrick Lewis suffered a loss against Waldo Cortes-Acosta, raising questions about his future in the heavyweight division. Cortes-Acosta landed a powerful jab in the second round, sending Lewis to the ground.
Strawweight Bout: Silva Defeats Namajunas
Rose Namajunas and Natalia Silva had a lackluster fight, with Silva winning by unanimous decision. The fight was criticized for its slow pace and lack of action.
Featherweight Showcase: Jean Silva Impresses
Jean Silva proved he's more than just a power fighter, winning against Arnold Allen by decision. His versatility and resilience were on full display.
Flyweight Clash: Nurmagomedov vs. Figueiredo
Umar Nurmagomedov secured a unanimous decision against Deiveson Figueiredo, but his performance wasn't impressive enough to solidify his position as a top contender.
Welterweight Battle: Gautier's Tough Fight
Ateba Gautier had a tougher fight than expected against Andrey Pulyaev, winning by decision. The fight raised questions about Gautier's dominance.
Bantamweight Bout: Johnson's Post-Fight Moment
Charles Johnson lost to Alex Perez, but had a heated post-fight moment. He was upset with the stoppage but eventually calmed down and shook hands with Perez.
Debutant Shines: Ty Miller's Strong Start
Ty Miller made a strong debut, finishing Adam Fugitt in the first round. His performance showcased his potential and set the tone for his UFC career.
New Era for UFC
The event marked a new era for the UFC, with a new broadcasting partner and increased bonuses for fighters. This change aims to improve the viewing experience and support the athletes.
Safety Concerns: Smotherman's Collapse
Cameron Smotherman collapsed after a weigh-in, raising concerns about the dangers of weight cutting in MMA. The incident highlighted the need for better safety measures and awareness in the sport.