Photo: Reproduction X/MMAOrbit
After many weeks of waiting, the 2026 season finally begins for the UFC. In its first event in the Paramount+ era, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) holds an event in Las Vegas that promises to shake up some of the most popular weight classes in the sport. In the main event, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett face off for the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg). In the previous fight, Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong will clash to determine the next challenger for Petr Yan 's bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg).
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With Ilia Topuria announcing a hiatus due to personal issues, the UFC opted to create an interim title to maintain the natural flow of the most populous division in MMA. In this context, Gaethje and Pimblett headline the event with a true clash of completely different styles and trajectories. The American has already had the opportunity to fight for the undisputed title on two occasions, being submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira . On the other hand, the Englishman is undefeated in the organization and is one of the most popular athletes on the roster.
With the unfortunate cancellation of the fight between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes due to the American's injury, the bout between Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong was moved to the co-main event slot. One of the sport's most well-known and promoted names, the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg) is trying to return to the winning column after two losses against Merab Dvalishvili . On the other side of the octagon will be Song Yadong . Ranked fifth in the division, the Chinese fighter is coming off a victory against Henry Cejudo in February of last year.
Brazil in the octagon
Even with the absence of Amanda Nunes , this Saturday’s event (24) also features very important figures from Brazilian MMA. Jean Silva opens the main card by facing Arnold Allen . In case of victory, Lord would recover from the defeat against Diego Lopes and could become one of the main challengers for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7 kg), held by Alexander Volkanovski.
Next, Natália Silva returns to the octagon against former champion Rose Namajunas , in a fight valid for the flyweight category (up to 56,7 kg). Ranked second in the division and undefeated in eight years, the Brazilian is the main candidate to become the next challenger for Valentina Shevchenko 's crown.
In the final fight of the preliminary card, Deiveson Figueiredo attempts to halt the rise of Umar Nurmagomedov . The former flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg) returned to the win column at UFC Rio against Montel Jackson , while the Russian defeated Mario Bautista in his last fight and is the clear favorite for the bout.
Check out the results of UFC 324
Main Card
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – fight for the interim title.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Waldo Cortes Acosta defeated Derrick Lewis by technical knockout (punches) at 3:15 of round 2.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Natália Silva defeated Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Jean Silva defeated Arnold Allen by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Preliminary Card
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Umar Nurmagomedov defeated Deiveson Figueiredo by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Middleweight (up to 83,9 kg): Ateba Gautier defeated Andrey Pulyaev by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Light heavyweight (up to 92,9 kg): Nikita Krylov defeated Modestas Bukauskas by knockout (punches) at 4:57 of round 3.
Flyweight (up to 56,7 kg): Alex Perez defeated Charles Johnson by knockout (punch) at 3:16 of round 1.
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Michael Johnson vs. Alexander Hernandez – fight cancelled.
Heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg): Josh Hokit defeated Denzel Freeman by technical knockout (punches and knees) at 4:59 of round 1.
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Ricky Turcios x Cameron Smotherman – fight canceled
Welterweight (up to 77,1 kg): Ty Miller defeated Adam Fugitt by technical knockout (punches) at 4:59 of round 1.
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