Gaethje promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Justin Gaethje simply had a magical night at UFC 324. In the main event held this Saturday (24), in Las Vegas (USA), the American delighted fans by defeating Paddy Pimblett and became interim lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) for the second time. As the encounter was a true battle, the veteran won the 'Fight of the Night' bonus, taking home a check for $100 (approximately R$ 530, at the current exchange rate).
Besides Gaethje, the Englishman, despite the defeat, also left the first UFC event of the 2026 season with his pockets full. Josh Hokit , the bad boy dubbed the 'new Chael Sonnen ', also has plenty of reasons to smile. The company announced the prizes shortly after the show.
See too
In the main event, Gaethje proved impeccable in the striking exchanges and dominated Pimblett. Wild and focused, the veteran scored more than one knockdown against the Englishman and frequently rocked him throughout the fight. Despite the difficulty, 'The Paddy' fought back and even managed to make the American uncomfortable.
Other bonuses
Hokit promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
In the preliminary card, undefeated fighters Josh Hokit and Ty Miller stood out in the first two fights of UFC 324 and earned the 'Performance of the Night' bonuses. In the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg), the 'new Chael Sonnen ' dominated Denzel Freeman in the octagon, knocking him out in the first round. Meanwhile, in the welterweight division (up to 77,1 kg), the newcomer didn't feel the pressure, nor did he acknowledge Adam Fugitt , knocking him out in the first five minutes.
Because they won by knockout, the pair also earned a bonus of US$25 (approximately R$133). In addition to Hokit and Miller, Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Nikita Krylov , who knocked out Derrick Lewis and Modestas Bukauskas , respectively, were also awarded the new bonus.
THAT WAS FUN 😤 @Justin_Gaethje vs @PaddyTheBaddy took home FOTN honors at #UFC324 💰
[B2YB @ToyoTires ] pic.twitter.com/LHxIthQc2d
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026
THESE TWO TOOK CARE OF BUSINESS 👏
Ty Miller & @Josh_HokitUFC earned POTN bonuses at #UFC324!
[B2YB: @STC_Canada ] pic.twitter.com/JI9NMgIJxV
— UFC (@ufc) January 25, 2026
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.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
Read More about: Acosta, bonus, UFC bonus, gaethje, Hokit, Josh Hokit, Justin gaethje, Krylov, Miller, Nikita Krylov, Paddy, Paddy Pimblett, Pimblett, Ty Miller, UFC, UFC 324, Waldo Cortes-Acosta
You need to log in to comment.