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UFC 324: Unexpected Results and Fresh Faces

Las Vegas, USASunday, January 25, 2026
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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.

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