Justin Gaethje became the UFC interim lightweight champion for the second time Saturday night, de...

<p>Justin Gaethje became the UFC interim lightweight champion for the second time Saturday night, defeating Paddy Pimblett in a wild slugfest during the UFC 324 main event in Las Vegas.</p><p>In the co-headliner, former bantamweight champ Sean O'Malley got back on track with a unanimous decision win over Song Yadong.</p><p>Here are five takeaways from the first event of the Paramount+ era.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Gaethje turns back the clock</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819049/cropped_GettyImages-2258043928.jpg?ts=1769375313" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819049/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258043928.jpg?ts=1769375313 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819049/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258043928.jpg?ts=1769375313 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819049/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258043928.jpg?ts=1769375313 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819049/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258043928.jpg?ts=1769375313 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819049/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258043928.jpg?ts=1769375313 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Don't count out "The Highlight" - at least not yet.</p><p>That's the biggest lesson I learned from Gaethje's exhilarating, y'all-must've-forgot win over Pimblett, in which he did more damage and outlasted his younger opponent in the championship rounds. A lot of people - myself included - thought Gaethje's brawling style may have finally caught up to him when he suffered a devastating knockout loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300 in April 2024. But he's since rattled off two straight victories, making it clear that there's still some gas left in the tank.</p><p>This was, at least in a sense, a vintage Justin Gaethje performance. A bite-down-on-your-mouthpiece, throw-caution-to-the-wind kind of fight. Was this Gaethje at his peak? No. But at 37 years old, he still has what it takes to go five rounds, deliver a Fight of the Year candidate, and get his hand raised.</p><p>The determination Gaethje has shown to reach this point is unreal. He won the interim lightweight title in May 2020 but failed to unify the belts when he faced Khabib Nurmagomedov five months later. Gaethje fought for the undisputed belt again in 2022, losing to Charles Oliveira. And here he is, four years later, ready for one last shot against Ilia Topuria. That kind of longevity, with his kind of fight style, is practically unheard of.</p><h3>Pimblett is pretty tough too</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819051/cropped_GettyImages-2258046667.jpg?ts=1769375432" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819051/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258046667.jpg?ts=1769375432 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819051/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258046667.jpg?ts=1769375432 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819051/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258046667.jpg?ts=1769375432 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819051/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258046667.jpg?ts=1769375432 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819051/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258046667.jpg?ts=1769375432 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Pimblett deserves praise for his efforts against Gaethje. He didn't win, but he became the first man to take Gaethje the distance in a five-round fight. He also overcame two knockdowns. He even landed more significant strikes in three of five rounds and held a 156-144 edge overall.</p><p>Gaethje said it best after the fight: Scousers - at least this scouser - don't get knocked out.</p><p>This loss was indeed a setback for Pimblett, who was one win away from a megafight and undisputed title shot versus Topuria later this year. Pimblett had never lost in the UFC and was on track to becoming one of the biggest stars in the sport. However, the defeat might be worth it in the long run. It'll make him better, and it proved he can hang with the best of the best.</p><p>At 31 years old, Pimblett has a lot of time to get back in the title mix. He said in the Octagon after the fight, "I'll be back better. It's as simple as that. You haven't seen the last of me." It's easy to believe that.</p><h3>Tsarukyan still the biggest challenge for Topuria</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765927/cropped_GettyImages-2194304437.jpg?ts=1737141623" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765927/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194304437.jpg?ts=1737141623 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765927/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194304437.jpg?ts=1737141623 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765927/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194304437.jpg?ts=1737141623 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765927/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194304437.jpg?ts=1737141623 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/765927/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194304437.jpg?ts=1737141623 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gaethje is the interim champion, but when it comes to the most compelling opponent for Topuria, that designation still belongs to Arman Tsarukyan.</p><p>Ranked No. 1 in the division before UFC 324, Tsarukyan deserved to be fighting for the interim title Saturday. He's riding a five-fight winning streak and is 10-1 in his last 11 Octagon appearances. But UFC CEO Dana White apparently still thinks Tsarukyan needs to do more to earn another shot after pulling out of a title fight against Islam Makhachev at the last minute 12 months ago.</p><p>Regardless, Topuria-Tsarukyan is a much more competitive matchup than Topuria-Gaethje on paper. Tsarukyan remains the second-best lightweight in the UFC - and the toughest test for Topuria - unless proven otherwise.</p><h3>Dvalishvili a big winner</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816929/cropped_GettyImages-2251289450.jpg?ts=1769375460" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816929/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251289450.jpg?ts=1769375460 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816929/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251289450.jpg?ts=1769375460 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816929/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251289450.jpg?ts=1769375460 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816929/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251289450.jpg?ts=1769375460 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816929/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251289450.jpg?ts=1769375460 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ian Maule / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>You have to feel pretty good about your chances of getting the next bantamweight title shot if you're Merab Dvalishvili. O'Malley and Umar Nurmagomedov had an opportunity to skip the line with an impressive performance at UFC 324. But it's hard to say that their respective wins over Song and Deiveson Figueiredo were enough to convince the UFC brass that they should be next up for Petr Yan.</p><p>Dvalishvili called for an immediate rematch as soon as he lost the belt to Yan at UFC 323 in December - and he might just get it.</p><h3>Jean Silva is a wild man</h3><p>OK, I guess technically we already knew that before he jumped off Arnold Allen's back with a few seconds left in their featherweight bout. But just look at these photos. "Lord" Silva really is something else.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819033/cropped_GettyImages-2258033784.jpg?ts=1769368916" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819033/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258033784.jpg?ts=1769368916 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819033/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258033784.jpg?ts=1769368916 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819033/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258033784.jpg?ts=1769368916 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819033/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258033784.jpg?ts=1769368916 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819033/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258033784.jpg?ts=1769368916 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819034/cropped_GettyImages-2258033792.jpg?ts=1769369002" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819034/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258033792.jpg?ts=1769369002 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819034/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258033792.jpg?ts=1769369002 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819034/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258033792.jpg?ts=1769369002 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819034/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258033792.jpg?ts=1769369002 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/819034/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258033792.jpg?ts=1769369002 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure>

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UFC 324 takeaways: Gaethje has a lot of fight left in him

Justin Gaethje took home a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett in an early candidate for F...

<p>Justin Gaethje took home a unanimous decision win over Paddy Pimblett in an early candidate for Fight of the Year, claiming the interim lightweight championship in the UFC 324 main event.</p><p>The judges scored the fight 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 in Gaethje's favor Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>Gaethje, 37, is now a two-time UFC interim lightweight champion after previously winning the title in May 2020.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Gaethje and Pimblett delivered an instant classic, exchanging heavy blows on the feet in all five rounds. Gaethje outlanded Pimblett 200-170 in total strikes, while Pimblett had a 156-144 edge in significant strikes.</p><p>Gaethje praised Pimblett's toughness afterward, calling him a "warrior."</p><p>"That f----r is right. Scousers do not get knocked out - that Scouser does not get knocked out," Gaethje said in his postfight interview. "My god, what a f-----g gangster."</p><p>Gaethje handed Pimblett the first loss of his UFC career. Pimblett is now 7-1 in the promotion. The 31-year-old Liverpool native had won nine in a row coming in.</p><p>"I wanted to leave with that belt, but there's no other man I'd rather lose to," Pimblett said in his postfight interview. "Justin Gaethje is someone I've loved watching, growing up watching the UFC. It shows why he's a legend right there."</p><p>As the interim champion, Gaethje is next in line to challenge Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title later this year. Topuria announced in November that he was taking a hiatus due to personal matters, leading the UFC to book Saturday's main event. Topuria said last week he expects to return to the Octagon between April and June.</p><p>Topuria ripped Pimblett's performance in the aftermath of the fight.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won. Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what.</p>— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) <a href="https://twitter.com/Topuriailia/status/2015326882464420110?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Gaethje took an early lead in Round 1, dropping Pimblett with an uppercut and nearly finishing the fight. Gaethje scored another knockdown in the second round. He got on top of Pimblett and landed heavy ground-and-pound to close the frame.</p><p>Pimblett had a massive third round, seemingly turning the tide. He tagged Gaethje with crisp jabs and was much busier than his opponent. But Gaethje regained momentum in the fourth and fifth rounds, once again walking forward and landing the more damaging shots.</p><p>Gaethje has now won two in a row and is 4-1 in his last five appearances. Gaethje was ranked No. 4 in the 155-pound division coming in.</p><p>Pimblett suffered his first loss since September 2018 when he fought for the Cage Warriors lightweight title in his native Liverpool. He was ranked fifth in the weight class entering Saturday's main event.</p><p>"I'll be back better," Pimblett said. "It's as simple as that. You haven't seen the last of me."</p><p> </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: Justin Gaethje has the belt strapped on his waist by UFC CEO and President Dana White following the UFC lightweight interim championship bout during the UFC 324 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Gaethje beats Pimblett in thriller to win UFC interim title

Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley defeated Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28, 29...

<p>Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley defeated Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in the UFC 324 co-main event Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><p>O'Malley returned to the win column after dropping back-to-back fights against Merab Dvalishvili. This was his first victory in nearly two years.</p><p>Afterward, he said he wants to challenge Petr Yan for the 135-pound title in his next outing.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>After two competitive rounds, O'Malley turned it up late in the third to seal the deal. He landed heavy punches and a knee in the final minute, bloodying Song's face.</p><p>O'Malley hadn't gotten his hand raised since UFC 299 in March 2024 when he put on a masterclass against Marlon "Chito" Vera in his first bantamweight title defense. O'Malley lost the belt to Dvalishvili at UFC 306 in September 2024 and then suffered a submission defeat in an immediate rematch at UFC 316 last June.</p><p>The 31-year-old now holds a 19-3 (1 NC) record as a professional.</p><p>Song, the No. 5-ranked bantamweight, suffered his first loss since facing Yan at UFC 299. The 28-year-old Chinese fighter is 1-2 in his last three Octagon appearances.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: (L-R) Sean O'Malley faces Song Yadong of China in a bantamweight bout during the UFC 324 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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O'Malley beats Song to snap skid, calls out Yan

UFC 324 took place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, officially kicking off the Para...

<p><em>UFC 324 took place Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, officially kicking off the Paramount+ era. In the main event, Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to capture the interim lightweight title. theScore's Nick Baldwin provided results and analysis throughout the card.</em></p><p>📌 <strong>Jump to: </strong><a href="#gaethje">Gaethje's UD</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#O'Malley">O'Malley's UD</a> | <a href="#WCA">Cortes-Acosta's TKO</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#natalia%20silva">Natalia Silva's UD</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#jean%20silva">Jean Silva's UD</a> | <a href="#Nurmagomedov">Prelims</a> | <a href="#Hokit">Early prelims</a></p><h3><a id="gaethje" name="gaethje">Gaethje captures interim belt</a></h3><p>Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) to capture the interim lightweight championship for a second time. The combatants traded massive shots for all five rounds, finishing the first card of 2026 with what could end up being the fight of the year.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For more, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3463892" href="https://thescore.com/news/3463892">here</a>.</p><h3>Who ya got, Gaethje or Pimblett? 🍿</h3><p>Pimblett is a -245 favorite on <a href="http://thescore.bet">theScore Bet</a>, with Gaethje sitting at +210. Who are you picking to win the main event? Let us know in the comments.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">IT’S TIME!!!!<br><br>WHO WINS THE LIGHTWEIGHT INTERIM TITLE BOUT: PADDY OR GAETHJE?! 👊 <a href="https://t.co/HC59H6yqvm">pic.twitter.com/HC59H6yqvm</a></p>— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreBet/status/2015284745756897554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3><a id="O'Malley" name="O'Malley">'Suga' back in win column</a></h3><p>Former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley defeated Song Yadong via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) in the co-main event, snapping a two-fight losing streak. O'Malley rebounded from a submission defeat to Merab Dvalishvili in a title fight last June.</p><p>For more, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3463877" href="https://thescore.com/news/3463877">here</a>.</p><h3><a id="WCA" name="WCA">Cortes-Acosta destroys Lewis</a></h3><p>Waldo Cortes-Acosta demolished Derrick Lewis in their heavyweight bout, finishing him with ground-and-pound after dropping him with a jab. The TKO stoppage came at the 3:14 mark of the second round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="es" dir="ltr">Waldo Cortes Acosta acaba de hacer historia🔥🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC324?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC324</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFCEnParamount?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFCEnParamount</a> <a href="https://t.co/QCMbuy8Abu">pic.twitter.com/QCMbuy8Abu</a></p>— Paramount+ Deportes (@PPlusDeportes) <a href="https://twitter.com/PPlusDeportes/status/2015271901526945974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Cortes-Acosta, the No. 5-ranked heavyweight, said after the win he wants to fight Curtis Blaydes next.</p><p>The 34-year-old is now riding a three-fight winning streak and is 8-1 in his last nine bouts.</p><h3><a id="natalia silva" name="natalia%20silva">Natalia Silva ekes out decision win</a></h3><p>Women's flyweight contender Natalia Silva picked up the biggest win of her career, defeating former strawweight champion Rose Namajunas via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).</p><p>Silva outworked Namajunas in the first and third rounds to extend her winning streak to 14. She had a 51-26 edge in significant strikes and completed one of two takedowns.</p><p>The Brazilian, ranked No. 2 in the division, has beaten former UFC champions in three straight fights and could be next in line for a title shot against Valentina Shevchenko.</p><h3><a id="jean silva" name="jean%20silva">Jean Silva wins a slugfest</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818973/cropped_GettyImages-2258031567.jpg?ts=1769309463" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818973/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258031567.jpg?ts=1769309463 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818973/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258031567.jpg?ts=1769309463 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818973/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258031567.jpg?ts=1769309463 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818973/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258031567.jpg?ts=1769309463 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818973/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258031567.jpg?ts=1769309463 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Featherweight contender Jean Silva got back on track with a unanimous decision win over Arnold Allen in the main-card opener. The judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28, and 29-28.</p><p>Allen got off to a great start in Round 1, but Silva landed the more damaging blows throughout the rest of the fight. Silva outstruck Allen in the last two rounds and 78-60 overall.</p><p>The 29-year-old Brazilian is back in the win column after suffering a knockout loss to Diego Lopes at Noche UFC last September. Silva improved to 6-1 in the Octagon and is 14-1 in his last 15 outings.</p><h3>Is this parlay worth it? 🤔</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Do you see these three fights going OVER 2.5 rounds in UFC 324? 👊 <a href="https://t.co/b5ZvCKWjpj">pic.twitter.com/b5ZvCKWjpj</a></p>— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreBet/status/2015243221979341150?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><blockquote><p>👉 <a href="http://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forga%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480"><strong>Check out all of the betting markets available for UFC 324 on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><h3>A new era is here 🤩</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A new chapter 🏔️ <br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC324?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC324</a> | LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/wTnwBzkpJN">pic.twitter.com/wTnwBzkpJN</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2015245514032525558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Cruz gets HOF call 🏅</h3><p>Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer as part of the 2026 class, the promotion announced Saturday night. Cruz retired from mixed martial arts last February.</p><p>For more, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3463769" href="https://thescore.com/news/3463769">here</a>.</p><h3><a id="Nurmagomedov" name="Nurmagomedov">Nurmagomedov cruises past Figueiredo</a></h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818970/cropped_GettyImages-2258028410.jpg?ts=1769307068" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818970/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258028410.jpg?ts=1769307068 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818970/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258028410.jpg?ts=1769307068 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818970/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258028410.jpg?ts=1769307068 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818970/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258028410.jpg?ts=1769307068 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818970/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258028410.jpg?ts=1769307068 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Bantamweight contender Umar Nurmagomedov made easy work of former flyweight champion Deiveson Figueiredo in the featured prelim, winning via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).</p><p>Nurmagomedov outstruck Figueiredo on the feet and amassed nearly five minutes of control time on the ground. Nurmagomedov's only career loss came against former champion Dvalishvili.</p><h3>Gautier pushed to decision</h3><p>Ateba Gautier knocked down Andrey Pulyaev three times but couldn't put the Russian away, going the distance for his first decision victory in the UFC (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).</p><p>Gautier (10-1) stepped into the cage as a major betting favorite after knocking out his first three Octagon opponents inside one round. The powerful middleweight decked Pulyaev early, but Pulyaev survived and responded with moderate damage as the fight progressed.</p><h3>Another buzzer-beater KO</h3><p>Nikita Krylov dug deep and scored a knockout in the final seconds of his light heavyweight bout against Modestas Bukauskas. The finish came at the 4:57 mark of the third round. Krylov floored Bukauskas with an overhand right and then landed two punches on the ground to seal the deal.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="zxx" dir="ltr"><a href="https://t.co/GvPrN4xb9o">pic.twitter.com/GvPrN4xb9o</a></p>— 198kajko (@198kajko10456) <a href="https://twitter.com/198kajko10456/status/2015227038144098673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Krylov, the No. 13-ranked light heavyweight, snapped a two-fight skid, which consisted of knockout losses to Dominick Reyes and Bogdan Guskov. This was the 33-year-old Ukrainian's first victory since he submitted Ryan Spann in March 2023.</p><h3>Perez pulls off the upset over Johnson</h3><p>Three fights in and we've yet to see a second round in 2026.</p><p>Former flyweight title challenger Alex Perez picked up a much-needed win over Charles Johnson, finishing him with strikes at the 3:16 mark of the first round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Freel%2F862133309988194%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=476&amp;t=0" width="476" height="476" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe></figure><p>Perez, 33, snapped a two-fight losing streak and earned his first victory since April 2024. The devastating performance made it clear he's still one of the top flyweights in the promotion.</p><h3><a id="Hokit" name="Hokit">Hokit a heavyweight to watch?</a></h3><p>Undefeated heavyweight Josh Hokit kept the ball rolling in his second Octagon appearance, scoring a TKO over Denzel Freeman at the 4:59 mark of the first round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Hokit doing Josh Hokit things &amp; whopping some ass in the octagon 💥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC324?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC324</a> <a href="https://t.co/KgIe7lnRsb">pic.twitter.com/KgIe7lnRsb</a></p>— FightTalk (@Fight_Talk_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fight_Talk_/status/2015211252469940471?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 28-year-old California native improved to 2-0 in the promotion after earning a 56-second knockout in his November debut.</p><p>In his postfight interview, Hokit called out Waldo Cortes-Acosta, who fights Derrick Lewis later tonight. The rest of his speech was ... something else:</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Josh Hokit post fight interview.<a href="https://t.co/tyUEfCkTCJ">pic.twitter.com/tyUEfCkTCJ</a></p>— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) <a href="https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/2015211070382895413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Explosive TKO kicks off UFC 324</h3><p>Welterweight newcomer Ty Miller opened up the preliminary card with a bang, finishing Adam Fugitt with a buzzer-beater TKO in the first round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">UFC this weekend is already starting out strong 🔥<br><br>Ty Miller wastes no time and gets a first round KO over Adam Fugitt 😮‍🔥<br><br>What a way to kick off the night. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC324?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC324</a> <a href="https://t.co/G5V4Xov0Ux">pic.twitter.com/G5V4Xov0Ux</a></p>— Scorely (@ScorelyGG) <a href="https://twitter.com/ScorelyGG/status/2015203612817830367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Miller, 25, rocked Fugitt with several punches before finishing him in the clinch at the 4:59 mark of the round. The Dana White's Contender Series alum is now 7-0 (1 NC) as a professional.</p><h3>Full UFC 324 fight card</h3><p>Gaethje, a former UFC interim lightweight champion, has one more shot at winning the undisputed title. He just needs to get past Pimblett first. The winner of tonight's main event will be in line to challenge Ilia Topuria later this year. Gaethje, 37, has been a staple of the promotion's 155-pound division since 2017 and comes in with three wins in his last four Octagon appearances.</p><p>On the other side of the cage will be Pimblett, who's looking to break through as one of the sport's biggest stars. The 31-year-old Englishman is coming off a one-sided TKO win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 last April. Pimblett is a perfect 7-0 in the Octagon and riding a nine-fight winning streak overall.</p><p>In the co-main event, former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley will attempt to snap a two-fight losing streak against Song Yadong, the division's No. 5-ranked contender.</p><p>Here's a look at the rest of the UFC 324 lineup.</p><p><strong>Main card (Paramount+ at 9 p.m. ET)</strong></p><ul>
<li>Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett</li>
<li>Sean O'Malley vs. Song Yadong</li>
<li>Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis</li>
<li>Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas</li>
<li>Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva</li>
</ul><p><strong>Preliminary card (Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET)</strong></p><ul>
<li>Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo</li>
<li>Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev</li>
<li>Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas</li>
<li>Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson</li>
</ul><p><strong>Early preliminary card (Paramount+ at 5:30 p.m. ET)</strong></p><ul>
<li>Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman</li>
<li>Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller</li>
</ul><h3>Johnson vs. Hernandez canceled</h3><p>The UFC scrapped the preliminary bout between lightweights Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez only a few hours before the event began. The promotion didn't give a reason for the cancellation, though there were indications of irregular betting patterns.</p><h3>New and improved bonuses</h3><p>To usher in the Paramount+ era, the UFC has increased its Performance and Fight of the Night bonuses to $100K, double what they were previously, Dana White told <a href="https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/01/24/white-ufc-to-double-performance-bonuses-add-new-incentive-as-paramount-era-starts/">Sports Business Journal's Adam Stern</a>. The promotion will reward all other finishes with a new $25K bonus.</p><h3>Drama at Friday weigh-ins</h3><p>Cameron Smotherman made weight Friday but fainted while walking off the stage, leading to his bantamweight fight against Ricky Turcios being canceled. The 28-year-old was discharged from the hospital later in the day and said that he's doing well.</p><p>Figueiredo and Perez missed weight, but their respective bouts versus Nurmagomedov and Johnson remain on the card as catchweights.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: Justin Gaethje of the United States (R) and Paddy Pimblett of England embrace following their interim lightweight title bout in UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett results, analysis

Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer...

<p>Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz will be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer as part of the 2026 class, the promotion announced Saturday night.</p><p>Cruz reacted to the news while working on the Paramount+ desk at UFC 324 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Cruz also serves as a color commentator for the promotion.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bantamweight wouldn't be the same without him 🏆<br><br>Congratulations on your UFC Hall of Fame induction, <a href="https://twitter.com/DominickCruz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DominickCruz</a> 👏<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC324?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC324</a> | LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/ZxC3LyW6tT">pic.twitter.com/ZxC3LyW6tT</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2015244550240162124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 40-year-old retired from mixed martial arts last February after withdrawing from a fight against Rob Font due to an injury.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>A former two-time titleholder and one of the greatest bantamweights in UFC history, Cruz finished his career with a 24-4 record.</p>

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 13: Dominick Cruz prepares to fight Marlon Vera of Ecuador in a bantamweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Pechanga Arena on August 13, 2022 in San Diego, California.

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Cruz to be inducted into UFC Hall of Fame

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 324 in Las Vegas.  Interim lightw...

<p><em>theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 324 in Las Vegas.</em></p><h3>Interim lightweight championship</h3><p><strong>Justin Gaethje (26-5)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Paddy Pimblett (23-3)</strong></p><p>Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will kick off the Paramount+ era with a bang.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The two lightweight contenders are scheduled to square off in Saturday's main event with the interim lightweight title - and a crack at Ilia Topuria later this year - on the line.</p><p>Fresh off a career-best win over Michael Chandler that cemented him as a contender in the division, Pimblett has the recipe to keep the train rolling against Gaethje. The 31-year-old Englishman's grappling is elite; rather than just looking to rack up control time, he brutalizes opponents on the mat with effective ground-and-pound and hunts submissions.</p><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forga%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Check out all of the betting markets available for UFC 324 on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><p>We've seen Gaethje struggle against those kinds of fighters in the past, most notably Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. While Pimblett may not be on the same level as those former champions, he has enough physical strength to dictate the course of the fight.</p><p>This will be Pimblett's coming-out party as he sets up a megafight against Topuria.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=0c33f21b-96%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Pimblett, third-round submission</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792975/cropped_GettyImages-2209996400.jpg?ts=1751639851" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792975/w220xh124_GettyImages-2209996400.jpg?ts=1751639851 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792975/w320xh180_GettyImages-2209996400.jpg?ts=1751639851 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792975/w640xh360_GettyImages-2209996400.jpg?ts=1751639851 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792975/w768xh432_GettyImages-2209996400.jpg?ts=1751639851 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792975/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2209996400.jpg?ts=1751639851 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Bantamweight bout</h3><p><strong>Sean O'Malley (18-3, 1 NC)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Song Yadong (22-8-1, 1 NC)</strong></p><p>For the first time since 2022, former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley will appear in a non-title bout. But he'll be right back in the title picture if he beats Song Yadong.</p><p>Both O'Malley and Song prefer to strike, so there isn't much reason to think this fight will hit the ground. On the feet, O'Malley's range gives him the edge. I expect "Suga" to pick apart his opponent with jabs, land some devastating blows throughout, and walk away with a decisive victory that puts him back in the conversation for a crack at Petr Yan's belt.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=8cd4b680-b3%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">O'Malley, unanimous decision</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756910/cropped_GettyImages-2172055693.jpg?ts=1732383570" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756910/w220xh124_GettyImages-2172055693.jpg?ts=1732383570 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756910/w320xh180_GettyImages-2172055693.jpg?ts=1732383570 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756910/w640xh360_GettyImages-2172055693.jpg?ts=1732383570 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756910/w768xh432_GettyImages-2172055693.jpg?ts=1732383570 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/756910/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2172055693.jpg?ts=1732383570 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Heavyweight bout</h3><p><strong>Waldo Cortes-Acosta (16-2)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Derrick Lewis (29-12, 1 NC)</strong></p><p>Rising contender Waldo Cortes-Acosta is on a tear, winning seven of his last eight fights. With one or two more victories, he could find himself in a title fight against Tom Aspinall. However, he'll need to get past Derrick Lewis first.</p><p>The logical pick here is Cortes-Acosta, given he's in the prime of his career and Lewis isn't, but logic doesn't always matter in Lewis fights. I'm taking "The Black Beast" to turn back the clock again with a signature knockout.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=ce924732-e2%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Lewis, first-round knockout</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794100/cropped_GettyImages-2224849242.jpg?ts=1752379839" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794100/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224849242.jpg?ts=1752379839 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794100/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224849242.jpg?ts=1752379839 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794100/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224849242.jpg?ts=1752379839 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794100/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224849242.jpg?ts=1752379839 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794100/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224849242.jpg?ts=1752379839 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Women's flyweight bout</h3><p><strong>Natalia Silva (19-5-1)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Rose Namajunas (14-7)</strong></p><p>Natalia Silva is coming off back-to-back wins over former champions, so what's one more? Rose Namajunas will have her work cut out for her against Silva, who looks more and more like a future champion every time she steps into the cage.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=39e02ff3-53%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Silva, unanimous decision</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818768/cropped_GettyImages-2257684183.jpg?ts=1769184728" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818768/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257684183.jpg?ts=1769184728 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818768/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257684183.jpg?ts=1769184728 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818768/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257684183.jpg?ts=1769184728 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818768/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257684183.jpg?ts=1769184728 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818768/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257684183.jpg?ts=1769184728 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Featherweight bout</h3><p><strong>Arnold Allen (20-3)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Jean Silva (16-3)</strong></p><p>This fight feels like it'll go one of two ways: either Silva sparks Allen early, or Allen weathers the storm and drags Silva into deep waters. I'm going out on a bit of a limb and saying the crafty veteran gets it done.</p><p><strong>👊 </strong><strong>The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=e45f0817-86%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Allen, unanimous decision</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627236/cropped_GettyImages-1948784027.jpg?ts=1714671634" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627236/w220xh124_GettyImages-1948784027.jpg?ts=1714671634 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627236/w320xh180_GettyImages-1948784027.jpg?ts=1714671634 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627236/w640xh360_GettyImages-1948784027.jpg?ts=1714671634 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627236/w768xh432_GettyImages-1948784027.jpg?ts=1714671634 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/627236/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1948784027.jpg?ts=1714671634 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Rapid-fire bets</h3><p><strong>💥 Best overall bet: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=af7130af-a6%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Sean O'Malley (-210) def. Song Yadong</a></p><p>Assuming the two losses to Merab Dvalishvili haven't completely ruined him, O'Malley shouldn't have much of an issue getting back on track in the co-main event.</p><p><strong>💥 Best prop bet: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=50ca6018-88%5B%E2%80%A6%5Dr_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3462480">Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis goes under 2.5 rounds (-190)</a></p><p>Hopefully I'm not jinxing myself here, but I can't see these two heavyweights making it to the final horn.</p>

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UFC 324 predictions: Will Gaethje or Pimblett win interim title?

Bantamweight Cameron Smotherman fainted on stage after he made weight Friday for UFC 324 in Las V...

<p>Bantamweight Cameron Smotherman fainted on stage after he made weight Friday for UFC 324 in Las Vegas.</p><p>Smotherman was scheduled to face Ricky Turcios on Saturday's early preliminary card at T-Mobile Arena, but the fight has since been canceled, UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik announced.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Oh no. Cameron Smotherman passed out after weighing in. <br><br>Hope he is okay. Just brutal. <a href="https://t.co/olKeceyPa3">pic.twitter.com/olKeceyPa3</a></p>— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpinninBackfist/status/2014746177967739370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 23, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Smotherman regained consciousness moments after passing out and was carried off the stage by his coach and UFC personnel, according to <a href="https://x.com/aaronbronsteter/status/2014747144574664961?s=20">Sportsnet's Aaron Bronsteter</a>. He was transported to a hospital, per <a href="https://x.com/AlexBehunin/status/2014747243438583836?s=20">MMA Mania's Alex Behunin</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>UFC officials said Smotherman was discharged from the hospital following a precautionary evaluation, per<a href="https://x.com/aaronbronsteter/status/2014839711521513727?s=20"> Bronsteter</a>.</p><p>"Alright, I obviously have gotten a lot of messages and I appreciate all the genuine concern about me," Smotherman said in a video obtained by <a href="https://x.com/aaronbronsteter/status/2014866001007948185?s=20">Bronsteter</a>. "I'm completely OK. I'm good. I'm not entirely sure what happened. I see a lot of people online saying, 'Oh, it was a crazy weight cut,' stuff like that. I very genuinely didn't cut that much weight for this fight. I came in pretty low."</p><p>The 28-year-old underwent a CT scan and X-rays, both of which came back clear, training teammate Adrian Yanez told <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/2014827318338818436">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a>.</p><p>Smotherman was looking to snap a two-fight losing streak against Turcios. The Houston-based fighter beat Jake Hadley in his UFC debut in October 2024 but has since dropped fights against Serhiy Sidey and Ricky Simon.</p>

DES MOINES, IOWA - MAY 02: Cameron Smotherman poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night weigh-in at the Des Moines Marriott Downtown hotel on May 02, 2025 in Des Moines, Iowa.

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Smotherman faints at UFC 324 weigh-ins, fight canceled

UFC 324, the first event of the Paramount+ era, is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Justin Gae...

<p>UFC 324, the first event of the Paramount+ era, is upon us.</p><p>In Saturday's main event, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett square off for the interim lightweight title, putting the winner in line to challenge Ilia Topuria for the undisputed belt later this year. In the co-headliner, former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley returns to action against Song Yadong.</p><p>Here are four key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Will the UFC's Paramount+ debut meet expectations?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818501/cropped_GettyImages-2246907360.jpg?ts=1769031678" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818501/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246907360.jpg?ts=1769031678 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818501/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246907360.jpg?ts=1769031678 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818501/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246907360.jpg?ts=1769031678 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818501/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246907360.jpg?ts=1769031678 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818501/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246907360.jpg?ts=1769031678 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>This event was set to be monumental as the UFC kicks off its $7.7-billion media rights deal with Paramount. Topuria was supposed to defend the lightweight championship in a blockbuster matchup against Pimblett, and Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes were scheduled to square off in a women's bantamweight title bout years in the making.</p><p>Instead, we're getting an interim title fight that doesn't even feature the No. 1 contender. The undercard is admittedly strong, with Jean Silva-Arnold Allen, Rose Namajunas-Natalia Silva, and Umar Nurmagomedov-Deiveson Figueiredo among the fights set for Saturday. But unless the card delivers, UFC 324 could feel like a lackluster start to the promotion's new era.</p><h3>Gaethje gets one more chance at a UFC title</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/cropped_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w220xh124_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w320xh180_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w640xh360_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w768xh432_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774304/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2204065565.jpg?ts=1741553185 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Gaethje has been a constant at the top of the UFC's lightweight division for the better part of a decade. However, one thing has eluded him: the undisputed title.</p><p>At 37 years old, and with a ton of miles on the tires, this is Gaethje's last chance to win it all and etch his name in the history books.</p><p>Gaethje hasn't shied away from retirement talk ahead of this fight, saying he expects to finish his career by 2027 and would retire on the spot if he gets knocked out again. If Gaethje beats Pimblett, he'll likely get one more opportunity to become lightweight champion, against Topuria later in 2026. If he loses, his path to the undisputed 155-pound title all but disappears - forever.</p><p>This bout against Pimblett is legitimately a now-or-never situation for one of the most exciting fighters to ever step into the Octagon.</p><h3>Pimblett could leave Las Vegas a superstar</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752432/cropped_GettyImages-2163996022.jpg?ts=1730216938" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752432/w220xh124_GettyImages-2163996022.jpg?ts=1730216938 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752432/w320xh180_GettyImages-2163996022.jpg?ts=1730216938 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752432/w640xh360_GettyImages-2163996022.jpg?ts=1730216938 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752432/w768xh432_GettyImages-2163996022.jpg?ts=1730216938 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/752432/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2163996022.jpg?ts=1730216938 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Pimblett has exuded star power ever since his UFC debut. A win Saturday could make that a reality.</p><p>At a time when the UFC lacks household names and box-office draws, Pimblett could emerge as one of the promotion's top fighters - and an early star of the Paramount+ era - if he wins the interim lightweight title. There's a reason the UFC wanted Pimblett to headline its first event on Paramount+. He's brash, talks trash, and is fun to watch. He's also really good at fighting. If he beats Gaethje and turns out to be the second- or third-best lightweight on the planet, even better.</p><p>Should Pimblett emerge victorious, a unification bout against Topuria awaits. That would be one of the biggest matchups of the year, all potentially setting the stage for Pimblett to be one of the faces of the UFC for the foreseeable future.</p><h3>Will O'Malley return to full form vs. Song?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/cropped_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w220xh124_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w320xh180_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w640xh360_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w768xh432_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/789913/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2219389037.jpg?ts=1749657354 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Elsa / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>O'Malley's bantamweight title reign feels like a lifetime ago. He was on top of the world after knocking out Aljamain Sterling in 2023, with the division belonging to him. But after two straight losses to Merab Dvalishvili, his championship window had come and gone, just like that.</p><p>But as we saw with Petr Yan, who lost the bantamweight title in 2021 and just recaptured it with a stunning win over Dvalishvili at UFC 323 in December, you can never rule anything out. That includes a second O'Malley title reign.</p><p>Is it a super likely scenario? No. Bantamweight is one of the deepest divisions in the UFC. There are also some tough stylistic matchups out there for O'Malley, like Dvalishvili and Umar Nurmagomedov. But this weekend's bout is his chance to prove he's still a player in the division. A fresh start, if you will. A victory over Song would be the first step toward O'Malley returning to full form.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Paddy Pimblett of England reacts in a lightweight fight against Tony Ferguson of the United States during the UFC 296: Edwards vs. Covington event at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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4 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 324

PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis announced Wednesday he's stepping down from his role.  Davis ...

<p>PFL founder and chairman Donn Davis announced Wednesday he's stepping down from his role.</p><p>Davis is leaving the company entirely, reports <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/2014002705891508408?s=20">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a>.</p><p>"From the moment I founded Professional Fighters League eight years ago, it has been my life," Davis said in a statement. "My vision was to create an innovative and premium MMA company as the valuable alternative for those that want it or need it. ...</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"Today, I'm stepping down as chairman of PFL. I care deeply about each employee, value highly every investor, respect greatly our fighters, and appreciate sincerely all our fans who supported this company - I gave you everything I've got."</p><p>Davis' departure comes less than two weeks after Peter Murray, the former PFL CEO and most recently head of PFL International, parted ways with the organization. The PFL hired John Martin as its new CEO last July in a major shakeup.</p><p>Davis founded the PFL in 2017 and helped launch the promotion in 2018, serving as chairman for more than eight years.</p><p>Now the second-biggest MMA promotion in North America after the UFC, the PFL is scheduled to begin its 2026 campaign with a Feb. 7 event in Dubai. Lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov headlines the card against Alfie Davis.</p>

PFL (Professional Fighters League Europe) founder and president Donn Davis answers journalists questions during the Professional Fighters League Europe (PFL) event at the Accor Arena in Paris, on March 7, 2024.

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Donn Davis stepping down as PFL chairman

Featherweights Josh Emmett and Kevin Vallejos will meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night ca...

<p>Featherweights Josh Emmett and Kevin Vallejos will meet in the main event of a UFC Fight Night card March 14 at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, the promotion announced Friday.</p><p>Emmett, a former interim title challenger, is looking to snap a two-fight skid. The 40-year-old is coming off a submission loss to Youssef Zalal at UFC 320 last October. Emmett hasn't been victorious since a brutal knockout of Bryce Mitchell in December 2023.</p><p>Vallejos is one of the hottest up-and-comers in the 145-pound division. The 24-year-old knocked out Giga Chikadze in December to improve to 3-0 in the UFC. Vallejos holds a 17-1 record as a professional.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The March 14 event will also feature a light heavyweight bout between Ion Cutelaba and Oumar Sy and a strawweight matchup between Amanda Lemos and Gillian Robertson.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Josh Emmett enters the Octagon in a featherweight fight during the UFC 296 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 16, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Emmett-Vallejos to headline UFC's March 14 event

One of the biggest fights in women's MMA history has been postponed.  UFC women's bantamweight ch...

<p>One of the biggest fights in women's MMA history has been postponed.</p><p>UFC women's bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison has withdrawn from her title defense against Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 due to an injury, the promotion announced Wednesday.</p><p>Harrison, who trains out of American Top Team in Florida, underwent surgery Tuesday in New York to repair herniated discs in her neck, a source told <a href="https://www.eagletribune.com/sports/biggest-womens-mma-fight-ever-is-postponed-harrison-has-surgery-to-repair-herniated-discs-in/article_12267872-92fd-4ecc-8f3c-8cc1c601fa34.html">Bill Burt of The Eagle-Tribune</a>.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>UFC 324 takes place Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and will mark the promotion's debut on Paramount+. Harrison-Nunes was the co-main event.</p><p>The UFC is expected to rebook the fight, but no timeline has been set, according to <a href="https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/466164/report-kayla-harrison-out-of-ufc-324-fight-against-amanda-nunes-postponed-to-later-date">MMA Fighting's Damon Martin</a>.</p><p>Harrison, 35, was slated to defend the 135-pound title for the first time since dethroning Julianna Pena with a second-round submission at UFC 316 in June. The two-time PFL champion signed with the UFC in 2024 and has since won three fights in a row.</p><p>Nunes, a former UFC two-division champion and the greatest women's fighter of all time, was slated to come out of retirement after stepping away from the sport in 2023.</p><p>An interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett will headline UFC 324. The new co-main event will feature former bantamweight champion Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Kayla Harrison prepares to fight in a bantamweight fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Harrison injured, out of UFC 324 fight vs. Nunes

Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to action against Joe Pyfer in the main ...

<p>Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya will return to action against Joe Pyfer in the main event of UFC Seattle on March 28, UFC CEO Dana White announced Tuesday.</p><p>Adesanya will step into the Octagon for the first time since a knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov last February. The 36-year-old has lost three in a row and four of his last five.</p><p>Adesanya is one of the greatest middleweights in UFC history. He held the division's title from 2019-22 and again in 2023, making five successful defenses.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Pyfer, ranked No. 15 in the weight class, is looking to enter title contention with a victory over Adesanya. The 29-year-old is riding a three-fight winning streak and is 6-1 in the promotion overall.</p><p>White also confirmed a previously reported rematch between ex-women's flyweight champion Alexa Grasso and Maycee Barber.</p>

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - FEBRUARY 01: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at anb Arena on February 01, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

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Adesanya-Pyfer to headline UFC Seattle in March

Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight Alex Pereira at the UFC's event at the White House.  The middlewei...

<p>Khamzat Chimaev wants to fight Alex Pereira at the UFC's event at the White House.</p><p>The middleweight champion called out the light heavyweight titleholder Monday in a post on X.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Let’s go White House 🦾<br>Don’t worry, I will finish you fast <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexPereiraUFC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AlexPereiraUFC</a> ⚰️</p>— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) <a href="https://twitter.com/KChimaev/status/2010645960523972765?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The UFC is planning a monumental event on the White House grounds later this year, though a firm date hasn't been announced. CEO Dana White has said the promotion will begin booking fights for the card in February.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Chimaev has yet to defend the 185-pound championship since his title win over Dricus Du Plessis in August. However, this isn't the first time the 31-year-old Chechen has talked about moving to 205 pounds. In December, he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3422400" href="https://thescore.com/news/3422400">said</a> he wanted to defend his belt once and then change weight classes.</p><p>Chimaev also said last month he didn't think Pereira was interested in facing him in the Octagon.</p><p>"I don't think he wants that fight," Chimaev said. "Everyone knows this guy is not on my level. ... That's why he's running away."</p><p>Ranked No. 3 pound-for-pound in the UFC, Chimaev has been one of the most dominant fighters in the sport since his 2020 Octagon debut. He holds a 15-0 professional record.</p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Khamzat Chimaev of Russia reacts after round one against Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa in the UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 319 event at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Chimaev calls out Pereira for UFC White House event: 'I will finish you'

Jon Jones doesn't have much faith that the UFC will schedule a superfight between him and light h...

<p>Jon Jones doesn't have much faith that the UFC will schedule a superfight between him and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.</p><p>Jones, a former two-division champion, retired from MMA last June but almost immediately said he planned to fight again. Although he and Pereira have both expressed interest in squaring off at the UFC's highly anticipated event at the White House later this year, Jones doubts the bout will come to fruition.</p><p>"Pereira wants to fight me, but I don't think (UFC CEO) Dana White's gonna allow that to happen," Jones told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xh9fvU44nz0">Red Corner MMA</a>. "It will be interesting to see what Dana wants."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>White has repeatedly said he doesn't "trust" Jones to headline an event at the White House. Despite being one of the greatest and most popular fighters in UFC history, Jones' career has been marred by issues outside the cage, including failed drug tests and legal troubles.</p><p>In his final fight before retiring, Jones defended the heavyweight title with a TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024 at New York's Madison Square Garden.</p><p>The UFC tried to book a long-awaited unification bout between Jones and then-interim champion Tom Aspinall last year, but Jones turned it down and opted to retire instead. Aspinall was then promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: (L-R) Jon Jones and Alex Pereira attend the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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Jones doubts UFC will book Pereira fight

The Atlanta Falcons have hired former star quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan as their new preside...

<p>The Atlanta Falcons have hired former star quarterback and NFL MVP Matt Ryan as their new president of football, the team announced Saturday.</p><p>Ryan assumes the position immediately and will oversee all aspects of football for the organization. He will report to owner Arthur Blank and work with Falcons president and CEO Greg Beadles.</p><p>"Throughout his remarkable 14-year career in Atlanta, Matt's leadership, attention to detail, knowledge of the game and unrelenting drive to win made him the most successful player in our franchise's history," Blank said in a <a href="https://www.atlantafalcons.com/news/atlanta-falcons-name-matt-ryan-president-of-football">statement</a>. "I am confident those same qualities will be a tremendous benefit to our organization as he steps into this new role."</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Ryan interviewed with the Falcons on Friday evening. Atlanta interviewed four other executives for the job: the Chicago Bears' Ian Cunningham, Detroit Lions' Mike Disner, Carolina Panthers' Brandt Tilis, and San Francisco 49ers' Josh Williams.</p><p>Ryan, 40, will now help lead the Falcons' search for a general manager and head coach. The team will interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver on Saturday for its head coaching position, according to <a href="https://x.com/RapSheet/status/2010001611792494647?s=20">NFL Network's Ian Rapoport</a>.</p><p>Ryan played in the NFL for 16 seasons from 2008-23. He spent 14 seasons with the Falcons, leading the team to the postseason five times and making one Super Bowl appearance. Ryan spent his final season with the Indianapolis Colts and retired in April 2024.</p><p>He spent the last three seasons working for CBS as a game and studio analyst.</p><p>"Arthur gave me the chance of a lifetime almost twenty years ago, and he's done it again today," Ryan said. "While I appreciate the time I had with the Colts and with CBS, I've always been a Falcon. It feels great to be home. I could not be more excited, grateful, or humbled by this new opportunity."</p>

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 3: Former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan smiles on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 3, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.

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Falcons hire former star QB Ryan as president of football

As 2026 gets underway, many fighters share the same New Year's resolution: win a UFC championship...

<p><em>As 2026 gets underway, many fighters share the same New Year's resolution: win a UFC championship. Of course, that dream will come true for only a select few.</em></p><p><em>Below, theScore's Nick Baldwin predicts who will be wearing gold in each weight class at the end of the year.</em></p><h3>Flyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Joshua Van<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Alexandre Pantoja</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/cropped_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792347/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222687886.jpg?ts=1751171192 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The flyweight division is wide open after Van unceremoniously snatched the title from Pantoja at UFC 323 in December. Manel Kape and Tatsuro Taira have a case for the next title shot after closing the year with big wins over Brandon Royval and Brandon Moreno, respectively. Kyoji Horiguchi could also be next in line if he beats Amir Albazi on Feb. 7. Then, of course, there's Pantoja, the former champion who could be the current champion if it weren't for a flukey arm injury. Pantoja turns 36 in April, so there's a chance this is the year we see his fall from grace, but until it happens, I'll take the guy who's proven himself over and over again.</p><h3>Bantamweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Petr Yan<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Merab Dvalishvili</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/cropped_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812867/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250239940.jpg?ts=1767832484 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Yan shook up the bantamweight division when he beat Dvalishvili and reclaimed the title at UFC 323. The question is, how long can he stay on top this time? No one seems to hang on to the 135-pound belt for very long. There's a world where Yan beats Dvalishvili again and then either Umar Nurmagomedov or Sean O'Malley to make it through a full year as champion. There's also a chance that Nurmagomedov breaks through and captures gold himself. That said, I can't help but think that on his best night, Dvalishvili is the guy to beat at 135 pounds.</p><h3>Featherweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Alexander Volkanovski<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Lerone Murphy</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/cropped_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230531120.jpg?ts=1755461514 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Geoff Stellfox / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It wouldn't be a surprise if Volkanovski - who turns 38 in September - retires from MMA this year. Even if he doesn't, it's hard to see him making it through the gauntlet of contenders - Diego Lopes, Movsar Evloev, and Murphy - without a loss. That's not a knock on Volkanovski, who's one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. This is a young man's game, and he can defy the odds only so many times. Volkanovski will beat Lopes again in their UFC 325 rematch on Jan. 31, but Evloev and Murphy are more challenging matchups for the Australian. Between those two, something tells me this is Murphy's year.</p><h3>Lightweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Ilia Topuria<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Ilia Topuria</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/cropped_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792595/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222691526.jpg?ts=1751374122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Topuria is taking a break from the sport due to issues in his personal life. That could mean he fights only once - maybe twice, at most<em> </em>- this year. His next Octagon appearance will likely be against the winner of the interim title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, which is scheduled for UFC 324 on Jan. 24. After that, it'd likely be Arman Tsarukyan. I'd be relatively confident in Topuria to win any of those matchups (though Tsarukyan would have the best shot at playing spoiler). My only real concern about Topuria is that he might decide to vacate the title due to his issues outside the cage.</p><h3>Welterweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Islam Makhachev<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Islam Makhachev</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/cropped_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Makhachev has a long reign ahead of him after dominating Jack Della Maddalena to become the welterweight champion at UFC 322 in November. His toughest challenge at 170 pounds is probably Shavkat Rakhmonov, but at this point, who knows if Rakhmonov will even get the opportunity to fight for the title?</p><h3>Middleweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Khamzat Chimaev<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Khamzat Chimaev</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/cropped_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w220xh124_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w320xh180_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w640xh360_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w768xh432_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814916/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2230533715.jpg?ts=1766417226 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cooper Neill / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Chimaev should have no problem remaining the middleweight champion between now and December. He proved during his absurdly lopsided title win over Dricus Du Plessis in August that he's in a league of his own. Nassourdine Imavov, Anthony "Fluffy" Hernandez, and others can try to dethrone him, but they'll all fail. Unless Chimaev jumps up to light heavyweight to challenge for a second title, I'm very confident he'll still be the 185-pound champ this time next year.</p><h3>Light heavyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Alex Pereira<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Jiri Prochazka</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/cropped_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w220xh124_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w320xh180_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w640xh360_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w768xh432_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804122/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2238997032.jpg?ts=1759531516 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Yes, I'm aware Prochazka has lost twice to Pereira. And yes, I'm still picking him to reclaim the light heavyweight title before the end of the year - but not by beating the current champion. Pereira wants to move up to heavyweight, and if he opts to do so in his next fight, that'll pave the way for Prochazka to fight Carlos Ulberg for the vacant title. It's a close matchup on paper, but I'd pick Prochazka to win.</p><h3>Heavyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Tom Aspinall<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Tom Aspinall</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/cropped_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812308/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243289892.jpg?ts=1764705791 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I feel less sure about Aspinall ending 2026 as the heavyweight champion than I did a few months ago - but that's not his fault. Aspinall is planning to undergo multiple eye surgeries in January to address the injuries he suffered against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in October. If he's still sidelined by, say, the third quarter of the year, it wouldn't be unlike the UFC to strip him of the title. (Which kind of sounds like a sick joke given how long Jon Jones held up the division, but I digress.) When Aspinall is active, he's the best heavyweight in the world, so I ultimately have to go with the Englishman to be on top of the division 12 months from now.</p><h3>Strawweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Mackenzie Dern<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Zhang Weili</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/cropped_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w220xh124_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w320xh180_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w640xh360_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w768xh432_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/624692/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2148565522.jpg?ts=1713070891 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>With all due respect to Dern, who rose to the occasion in her title win against Virna Jandiroba at UFC 321, we all know Zhang is the real champ. She vacated the title to move up in weight and challenge Valentina Shevchenko for a second belt. After a tough loss, Zhang will return to her natural weight class and reclaim what's rightfully hers.</p><h3>Women's flyweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Valentina Shevchenko<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Valentina Shevchenko</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/cropped_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Shevchenko's longevity in this sport needs to be studied. She's 37 years old, entering her 23rd year as a professional MMA fighter, and has fought 31 times. And yet, she's still competing at the highest of levels. Her two title defenses in 2025 - against Manon Fiorot and Zhang - were enough for me to believe she can keep this going for at least another year.</p><h3>Women's bantamweight</h3><p><strong>Current champion: </strong>Kayla Harrison<br><strong>Champion at end of 2026: </strong>Amanda Nunes</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/cropped_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w220xh124_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w320xh180_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w640xh360_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w768xh432_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814918/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1497568425.jpg?ts=1766417597 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jordan Jones / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>It won't be an easy task for Nunes to emerge from a two-and-a-half-year retirement and reclaim the women's bantamweight title - especially against Harrison - but if anyone can do it, it's the women's GOAT. My biggest concern is that Nunes beats Harrison at UFC 324 but retires again before the end of the year. If that happens, oh well. I have to trust my gut and go with "The Lioness."</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34046908/related

Predicting UFC champions at end of 2026

As the UFC, PFL, and other MMA promotions get ready for their 2026 campaigns, it's time to lay ou...

<p>As the UFC, PFL, and other MMA promotions get ready for their 2026 campaigns, it's time to lay out some of our wishes for the new year.</p><p>Here are 10 realistic matchups (not yet booked) we hope come to fruition sometime in the next 12 months.</p><h3>Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira</h3><p>Jones briefly retired from mixed martial arts last June, but the former UFC two-division champion reversed course within weeks. Over the past several months, he's campaigned for a spot on the UFC's upcoming card at the White House, specifically targeting a matchup against light heavyweight champ Pereira.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Whether it happens in Washington or elsewhere, Jones-Pereira is one of the biggest bouts the UFC can put together. Jones' resume as an all-time great speaks for itself. Pereira has been one of the sport's biggest names over the last few years, and he got his mojo back when he reclaimed the 205-pound crown against Magomed Ankalaev in October. Now that Jones is no longer heavyweight champion, a superfight against Pereira makes sense - and won't hold up the division.</p><h3>Ilia Topuria vs. Arman Tsarukyan</h3><p>It may still be a while before Topuria steps into the Octagon again, as the UFC lightweight champion is dealing with personal issues. Whenever he's ready to return, a fight against Tsarukyan is a must. Unfortunately, it likely won't be Topuria's next title defense, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett are squaring off for the interim 155-pound belt at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, with the winner presumably next in line. However, if the promotion wants to keep its promise of always delivering the best fights, we'll get Topuria-Tsarukyan sometime in 2026. Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant title last summer and is already seen as a relatively unbeatable champion. If anyone has a shot to dethrone him, it's Tsarukyan, who has won five straight and is coming off a dominant performance against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in November.</p><h3>Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane 2</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/cropped_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w220xh124_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w320xh180_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w640xh360_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w768xh432_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807171/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2243288181.jpg?ts=1761425956 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Many want to see Aspinall defend the UFC heavyweight championship against the likes of Jones, Pereira, or even Francis Ngannou, but a rematch with Gane has to happen first. Their initial meeting at UFC 321 in October was ruled a no-contest after Gane poked Aspinall in both eyes in the opening round. Aspinall plans to undergo multiple surgeries to address the injuries he suffered, but if the Englishman returns in 2026, another matchup against Gane would be very compelling. Despite being the large favorite going in, Aspinall was outstruck and had his nose bloodied by Gane before the premature finish.</p><h3>Islam Makhachev vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov</h3><p>Makhachev is on top of the UFC welterweight division - and pound-for-pound rankings - after a dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena last November. The good news is that there are numerous contenders in line for a title shot, including Ian Machado Garry, Michael Morales, and Carlos Prates. The bad news is that Makhachev would be a heavy favorite against all of them. The most intriguing opponent for the Dagestani is Rakhmonov, who was once considered the heir to the throne before Makhachev moved up in weight. A fight against Rakhmonov could be the only way to truly challenge Makhachev for the foreseeable future.</p><h3>Petr Yan vs. Merab Dvalishvili 3</h3><p>Dvalishvili won the first fight, Yan won the rematch, and now we need to see the trilogy. Umar Nurmagomedov and Sean O'Malley will have a case for the next bantamweight title shot if they win their respective fights at UFC 324, but the truth is, Dvalishvili deserves an immediate rematch after dropping the belt to Yan at UFC 323 in December. The Georgian successfully defended the title three consecutive times in 2025 and cemented himself as one of the greatest bantamweights in promotion history. He and Yan need to settle the score.</p><h3>Jiri Prochazka vs. Carlos Ulberg</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/cropped_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w220xh124_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w320xh180_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w640xh360_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w768xh432_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/804281/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2239284585.jpg?ts=1759634918 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>If Pereira moves to heavyweight, a vacant light heavyweight title bout between Prochazka and Ulberg would make all the sense in the world. Even without the belt on the line, the UFC would be wise to book this matchup. Prochazka had a big 2025, earning knockouts of Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. Ulberg also impressed, beating Jan Blachowicz by decision and then Dominick Reyes via knockout. Prochazka and Ulberg are two of the most exciting and violent fighters in the division. On paper, this feels like a potential Fight of the Year.</p><h3>Francis Ngannou vs. Vadim Nemkov</h3><p>This bout was on last year's list, and it makes even more sense now. Ngannou still has one fight left on his PFL contract after sitting out all of 2025. Nemkov is coming off a statement win over Renan Ferreira in December in which he claimed the promotion's heavyweight championship. With Nemkov at the peak of his career and Ngannou turning 40 this year, this could be a competitive matchup at this point.</p><h3>Mackenzie Dern vs. Zhang Weili</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/cropped_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769667/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198473286.jpg?ts=1739133788 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Zhang's bid to become a two-division champion at UFC 322 in November was unsuccessful, as she lost to Valentina Shevchenko in lopsided fashion. But she's still considered the top strawweight in the world despite Mackenzie Dern capturing the vacant 115-pound title at UFC 321 in October. Zhang should return to her original weight class and try to get back what was once hers.</p><h3>Justin Gaethje vs. Dan Hooker</h3><p>This fight was scheduled for UFC 313 last March, but Hooker withdrew due to an injury. Depending on how their next fights unfold, it would be great to see the promotion rebook this matchup. After all, Gaethje and Hooker are two of the most exciting fighters on the roster.</p><h3>Michael Morales vs. Carlos Prates</h3><p>Morales and Prates, two of the hottest contenders in the UFC welterweight division, should square off to determine who's best fit to challenge for the title later this year.</p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34007836/related

10 MMA fights we want booked in 2026

With 2025 nearly in the books, theScore's Nick Baldwin celebrates the best of the best in mixed m...

<p><em>With 2025 nearly in the books, theScore's Nick Baldwin celebrates the best of the best i</em><em>n mixed martial arts with nine year-end awards.</em></p><h3>Male Fighter of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Islam Makhachev</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/cropped_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810168/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246911347.jpg?ts=1763323505 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Merab Dvalishvili was the front-runner for this award virtually all year - from Jan. 18, when he upset Umar Nurmagomedov in his first UFC bantamweight title defense, until Dec. 6, when he dropped the belt to Petr Yan in his fourth defense of the year. Fans will remember Dvalishvili's 2025 campaign for a long time, but in the end, Makhachev takes the prize. He made quick work of short-notice replacement Renato Moicano in his final lightweight title defense at UFC 311 in January. Then, the Dagestani moved up to welterweight at UFC 322 in November and became the promotion's 11th two-division champion with an absurdly dominant win over Jack Della Maddalena. That performance once again cemented Makhachev as the top pound-for-pound fighter in MMA.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Female Fighter of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Valentina Shevchenko</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/cropped_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810114/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246904861.jpg?ts=1763269122 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Shevchenko appeared to be on a downward slope in recent years, as she went winless in 2023 and scored just one victory in 2024. But the UFC women's flyweight champion returned to her dominant ways in 2025. She handed Manon Fiorot her first loss in seven years at UFC 315 in May. Six months later, Shevchenko outclassed former strawweight champion Zhang Weili at UFC 322. The matchup was billed as a long-awaited superfight, but in the end, it wasn't even remotely competitive. Shevchenko, at 37 years old, proved this year that she has a lot left in the tank.</p><h3>Event of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>UFC 317</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/cropped_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w220xh124_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w320xh180_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w640xh360_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w768xh432_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/792351/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2222690337.jpg?ts=1751173475 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>There were several memorable events this year, including UFC 322 and UFC 323, but UFC 317 stood out above the rest. In the main event of the June 28 card, Ilia Topuria made history by knocking out Charles Oliveira in devastating fashion and becoming the 10th fighter in Octagon history to capture titles in two weight classes. The event also featured an epic bout between Joshua Van and Brandon Royval, Alexandre Pantoja submitting Kai Kara-France to retain the flyweight title, and a slew of finishes on the prelims. UFC 317 had a bit of everything, and it ended on a high note with Topuria's crowning moment.</p><h3>Fight of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Joshua Van vs. Brandon Royval at UFC 317</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">WHAT A FIGHT 😱<br><br>[ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC317?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC317</a> is LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNPlus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ESPNPlus</a> PPV NOW ] <a href="https://t.co/tKrUgcmfGV">pic.twitter.com/tKrUgcmfGV</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1939169116147040580?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Speaking of that epic fight between Van and Royval, it just happened to be the best we saw all year. The two flyweights slugged it out for three rounds, showing tenacity, heart, and an insane amount of perseverance. They combined for 419 significant strikes, the most in a three-round bout in UFC history. Van sealed the deal with a knockdown late in the third round, earning a unanimous decision victory and a title shot against then-champion Pantoja.</p><h3>Knockout of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Mauricio Ruffy's spinning-wheel-kick knockout of King Green at UFC 313</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">King Green vs Mauricio Ruffy | FINISH <br><br>On March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena, King Green faced Mauricio Ruffy. Midway through Round 1, Ruffy was settling in and testing his range. He unleashed a spinning wheel kick that sent Green to the shadow realm, securing a… <a href="https://t.co/uRxtF0c7vo">pic.twitter.com/uRxtF0c7vo</a></p>— MMAVisualized (@MMAVisualized) <a href="https://twitter.com/MMAVisualized/status/1908966305698558141?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>There were a ton of knockouts to choose from this year, but Ruffy's March 8 victory held up as the best. Just two minutes into the biggest fight of his career, Ruffy - a surging lightweight prospect at the time - clocked Green with a spinning wheel kick, sending him to the land of wind and ghosts in the blink of an eye. It was one of the most creative and vicious knockouts we'd seen in a long time.</p><h3>Submission of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Jean Silva's ninja choke against Bryce Mitchell at UFC 314</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JEAN SILVA WINS THE FIGHT BY SUBMITTING BRYCE MITCHELL IN THE 2ND ROUND 🔥🔥<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC314?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC314</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MMA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MMA</a> <a href="https://t.co/pyQLCB6zC8">pic.twitter.com/pyQLCB6zC8</a></p>— FEDZ_MMA (@Fedzmma) <a href="https://twitter.com/Fedzmma/status/1911254102018830782?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Mitchell is an elite grappler, but he was the one doing the tapping when he fought Silva on April 12. During an exchange in the clinch, Silva trapped Mitchell in a ninja choke then dragged him to the mat and forced the tap, like a boa constrictor putting its prey to rest.</p><h3>Round of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Round 1 of Iwo Baraniewski vs. Ibo Aslan at UFC 323</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="pl" dir="ltr">IWO BARANIEWSKI 🤯<br><br>CO TU SIĘ WYDARZYŁO, ABSOLUTNA WOJNA, Z PIEKŁA DO NIEBA 🔥 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC323?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC323</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tgqj2HRbhr">pic.twitter.com/Tgqj2HRbhr</a></p>— Czas na MMA (@CzasNaMMA) <a href="https://twitter.com/CzasNaMMA/status/1997454492414202324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Baraniewski-Aslan is a perfect example of why MMA fans are MMA fans. The Dec. 6 undercard bout lasted just 1:29, but it was a legitimate contender for Fight of the Year. Aslan dropped Baraniewski early on, but the latter survived and went on to score two knockdowns of his own. "This looks like a bar fight," UFC color commentator Joe Rogan exclaimed as the two swung for the fences. Baraniewski closed the show with a TKO finish, delivering one of the most exhilarating moments of 2025.</p><h3>Upset of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Raoni Barcelos def. Payton Talbott at UFC 311</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/cropped_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w220xh124_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w320xh180_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w640xh360_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w768xh432_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815228/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2194086397.jpg?ts=1766594817 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images / MediaNews Group / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Talbott went into the fight as a red-hot bantamweight prospect with a 9-0 professional record and a 3-0 UFC record. A -1050 betting favorite, Talbott was expected to take care of business and continue his rise in the division. Barcelos, however, had other plans. He dominated Talbott on the ground from start to finish, scoring eight takedowns and amassing over nine minutes of control time. Barcelos took home a lopsided unanimous decision win (30-27, 30-27, 30-26), recording the sixth-biggest upset in UFC history based on odds.</p><h3>Breakout Fighter of the Year</h3><p><strong>Winner: </strong>Joshua Van</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/cropped_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815229/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250450979.jpg?ts=1766594927 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Van began the year ranked No. 15 in the UFC flyweight division and ended it with the belt around his waist. That's the definition of breakout fighter. The 24-year-old defeated Rei Tsuruya, Bruno Silva, Royval, and Pantoja over the past 12 months (two of those victories came in the span of four weeks), going from top prospect to champion in record speed. Van had one of the best years in the entire sport and likely would've been Fighter of the Year had it not been for the fluky ending to his title win over Pantoja at UFC 323.</p>

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2025 MMA awards: Our top fighters, moments of the year

An estimated 33 million viewers globally watched the Dec. 19 boxing match between Jake Paul and A...

<p>An estimated 33 million viewers globally watched the Dec. 19 boxing match between Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua on Netflix, the streaming platform announced Tuesday.</p><p>Joshua, a former two-time unified heavyweight champion, knocked out Paul, a YouTube star turned boxer, in the sixth round at Kaseya Center in Miami.</p><p>In comparison, 60 million households tuned in to Netflix for Paul's clash with Mike Tyson in November 2024.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Netflix has over 300 million subscribers worldwide.</p><p>Paul-Joshua marked the fourth boxing event Netflix has been involved in. The company helped promote Paul-Tyson last year and Katie Taylor-Amanda Serrano 3 and Terence Crawford-Canelo Álvarez earlier in 2025.</p><p> </p>

Jake Paul and Anthony Joshua during a public weigh-in at the Fillmore Miami Beach, Florida. Anthony Joshua will take on YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul in a heavyweight bout in Miami on December 19. Picture date: Thursday December 18, 2025.

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Netflix says Paul-Joshua drew 33M viewers

Seattle Kraken defenseman Brandon Montour is expected to be out for approximately four weeks afte...

<p>Seattle Kraken defenseman <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/4487" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/4487">Brandon Montour</a> is expected to be out for approximately four weeks after undergoing hand surgery, the team announced Monday. He has been placed on injured reserve.</p><p>Montour missed the Kraken's last two games after being injured during a scrum in a Dec. 16 contest against the Colorado Avalanche.</p><p>The 31-year-old has scored six goals and added 10 assists in 27 games this season.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>In Montour's absence, <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nhl/players/9762" href="https://thescore.com/nhl/players/9762">Josh Mahura</a> re-entered the lineup after sitting out most of November.</p>

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 10: Brandon Montour #62 of the Seattle Kraken skates with the puck against the Los Angeles Kings during the first period at Climate Pledge Arena on December 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington.

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Kraken's Montour expected to miss about 4 weeks after hand surgery

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Nick Baldwin

News Editor

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