UFC 324 Results: Justin Gaethje Claims Interim Lightweight Title in Thrilling Main Event

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — UFC 324 delivered a dramatic start to the 2026 campaign, headlined by Justin Gaethje defeating Paddy Pimblett to claim the interim lightweight championship, despite the withdrawal of the highly anticipated women’s bantamweight bout between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes due to Harrison’s neck injury.

The event opened explosively with four first-round knockouts, followed by a series of decisions that tested the endurance of fans. A tactical showdown between Arnold Allen and Jean Silva, combined with the Gaethje-Pimblett slugfest, ultimately salvaged the main card.

Interim Lightweight Championship: Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett

Result: Gaethje defeats Pimblett by unanimous decision

Grade: A-

Gaethje and Pimblett went the full five rounds in a high-paced battle that showcased their striking prowess and cardio. Gaethje landed 134 total strikes, with 87 significant strikes, using his signature pressure and powerful leg kicks to slow Pimblett’s mobility. Pimblett displayed surprising durability, absorbing multiple knockdowns and recovering to land counters, particularly a sharp left hook in round three. The fight was competitive, with Pimblett briefly gaining momentum in rounds two and four through slick combinations. Gaethje’s victory solidifies him as a leading contender for an undisputed lightweight title fight, while Pimblett’s performance increases his UFC profile, showing he can survive and compete at the highest level.

Welterweight: Adam Fugitt vs. Ty Miller

Result: Miller defeats Fugitt by first-round

TKOGrade: B+

Miller opened the card with explosive striking, connecting on 43 of 57 significant strikes (75 percent accuracy) in round one. Fugitt had a brief moment with a spinning elbow that stunned Miller, but Miller’s timing and power proved decisive, as he dropped Fugitt with a straight right followed by a flurry to finish. The fight clocked only 4:57, yet it demonstrated Miller’s precision striking and composure under pressure. The knockout also positions Miller as a rising contender in the welterweight division, while Fugitt will need adjustments to his defensive strategy moving forward.

Men’s Flyweight: Alex Perez vs. Charles Johnson

Result: Perez defeats Johnson by first-round TKO

Grade: B+

Perez returned to form with a dominant performance, landing 21 significant strikes and finishing Johnson in under five minutes. Perez utilized a body kick that visibly dropped Johnson before a left hook followed by a right hand ended the bout. Johnson attempted to recover with a clinch and defensive movement, but Perez maintained relentless pressure. This fight marked a critical rebound for Perez after a 1-5 skid, showing he can still contend at flyweight despite missing weight by 1.5 pounds.

Featherweight: Arnold Allen vs. Jean Silva

Result: Silva defeats Allen by unanimous decision

Grade: B

The Allen-Silva matchup featured almost exclusively stand-up exchanges, with Silva averaging 4.2 significant strikes per minute and Allen countering with sharp jabs and low kicks. Silva’s aggressiveness in rounds two and three created openings for combinations that scored consistently on judges’ scorecards. Allen absorbed significant punishment yet displayed technical toughness and precise counters. The fight highlighted Silva’s creativity, including a springboard off Allen’s back in the final scramble. While it was not a candidate for fight of the year, it showcased strategic adaptability and endurance in a competitive featherweight contest.

Heavyweight: Waldo Cortes-Acosta vs. Derrick Lewis

Result: Cortes-Acosta defeats Lewis by second-round TKO

Grade: C+

Cortes-Acosta employed a patient strategy, staying outside Lewis’ striking range and waiting for openings. Lewis threw 56 power strikes but landed only 19 percent, showing significant energy expenditure without results. Cortes-Acosta capitalized on Lewis’ fatigue with a jab that set up the finish. While the TKO victory vaults Cortes-Acosta toward title contention, the fight lacked sustained excitement, highlighting the difference between strategic effectiveness and fan-friendly action in heavyweight bouts.

Men’s Bantamweight: Sean O’Malley vs. Song Yadong

Result: O’Malley defeats Song by unanimous decision

Grade: C

O’Malley showcased technical precision, landing 82 significant strikes to Song’s 64, but much of the bout involved circling and distance management. Song applied pressure early, forcing O’Malley to adjust his movement and striking rhythm. O’Malley’s late surge in round three sealed the unanimous decision. The fight was important for O’Malley to break a two-fight skid, but it lacked sustained high-risk exchanges, making it less memorable despite the statistical edge.

Heavyweight: Josh Hokit vs. Denzel Freeman

Result: Hokit defeats Freeman by first-round TKO

Grade: C

Hokit dominated Freeman across the opening minutes, using superior wrestling and striking to maintain control. Freeman appeared fatigued from the opening bell, landing only 12 significant strikes while absorbing 31. Hokit’s victory demonstrated skill and preparation, but the mismatch limited the entertainment value. The first-round stoppage emphasized Hokit’s efficiency in finishing opponents, positioning him for mid-tier heavyweight bouts.

Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Modestas Bukauskas

Result: Krylov defeats Bukauskas by third-round TKO

Grade: C

A largely static fight for nearly 15 minutes, Krylov landed 73 strikes to Bukauskas’ 44. Wrestling exchanges slowed the action, but Krylov capitalized with a final right-hand knockout with three seconds remaining. While the finish was dramatic, the fight lacked early engagement, showing that technical skill alone does not always produce viewer excitement.

Men’s Bantamweight: Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Result: Nurmagomedov defeats Figueiredo by unanimous decision

Grade: C

Nurmagomedov maintained dominance, controlling all phases of the fight with an average of 3.8 takedowns per round and 65 percent striking accuracy. Figueiredo was unable to create meaningful offense, spending significant time on defense and retreat. While effective, the fight lacked memorable moments, highlighting Nurmagomedov’s consistency but minimal risk engagement.

Women’s Flyweight: Natalia Silva vs. Rose Namajunas

Result: Silva defeats Namajunas by unanimous decision

Grade: C-

A tentative bout that drew boos from the crowd, Silva landed 54 significant strikes to Namajunas’ 42, but the pace was slow and filled with clinches. Long stretches of inactivity and cautious striking made the fight feel underwhelming, particularly as it served as a potential title eliminator. Silva’s decision win, though legitimate, was controversial among fans.

Middleweight: Ateba Gautier vs. Andrey Pulyaev

Result: Gautier defeats Pulyaev by unanimous decision

Grade: D

Gautier connected on 38 of 62 significant strikes but relied on predictable entries. Pulyaev defended effectively but avoided most engagement, leading to a lackluster contest. Fans expected a knockout that never came. The fight highlighted Gautier’s need for strategic diversification to become a title contender.

UFC 324 Overall Grade: B-

The event opened with explosive knockouts and concluded with a thrilling main event, but several mid-card bouts underdelivered, preventing a higher overall rating. Gaethje vs. Pimblett stands out as a contender for fight of the year, setting the tone for 2026’s lightweight division. The card also offered insights into rising contenders like Ty Miller, Alex Perez, and Cortes-Acosta.

Next Steps:

• Gaethje targets a unification fight for the undisputed lightweight title.

• Pimblett rises in UFC rankings despite the loss, potentially earning top contender bouts.

• O’Malley looks to rebound with more dynamic performances, while Silva prepares for another title eliminator.