Featherweight contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy will square off in the main event of UFC...

<p>Featherweight contenders Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy will square off in the main event of UFC London on March 21, the promotion announced Monday.</p><p>Evloev was sidelined for all of 2025 and will return to the Octagon for the first time since his unanimous decision win over Aljamain Sterling at UFC 310 in December 2024. The 31-year-old Russian is 9-0 in the UFC and holds a 19-0 professional record.</p><p>Murphy, who fights out of Manchester, England, will headline an event in his home country for the first time. The 34-year-old is coming off a vicious knockout of Aaron Pico at UFC 319 in August and is 17-0-1 as a pro.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Evloev and Murphy are ranked Nos. 1 and 4 in the 145-pound division, respectively. The winner could be next in line for a title shot against Alexander Volkanovski, who defended the belt this past weekend at UFC 325 against Diego Lopes.</p><p>The UFC London co-main event will feature Luke Riley and Michael Aswell in a featherweight bout. Additionally, Michael "Venom" Page will return to the welterweight division to face Sam Patterson. Tap <a href="https://x.com/UFCEurope/status/2018353718169858470?s=20">here</a> to see the rest of the card.</p><p> </p>

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 16: Lerone Murphy of England reacts after his victory via knockout in the first round against Aaron Pico of the United States, not pictured, during their featherweight bout in UFC 319 at the United Center on August 16, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.

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Evloev-Murphy to headline UFC London in March

Alexander Volkanovski defended the UFC featherweight title in his rematch with Diego Lopes, earni...

<p>Alexander Volkanovski defended the UFC featherweight title in his rematch with Diego Lopes, earning a unanimous decision victory in the UFC 325 main event Saturday night in Sydney.</p><p>In the co-headliner, Benoit Saint Denis continued to climb the lightweight rankings with a second-round TKO of Dan Hooker.</p><p>Here are five takeaways from the event.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>Volkanovski-Lopes 2 was unnecessary</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/cropped_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820068/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259328423.jpg?ts=1769976333 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>We never needed Volkanovski and Lopes to run it back - and the outcome of Saturday's rematch proved it. Nine months after Volkanovski beat Lopes in decisive fashion to reclaim the featherweight title, he outclassed him again.</p><p>The UFC faced a lot of criticism for giving Lopes another crack at Volkanovski, especially with Movsar Evloev and Lerone Murphy waiting for their first title shots. In this case, the critics were right. Not a whole lot changed from the first fight. Volkanovski was the smarter and more technical fighter in the stand-up department; Lopes didn't pull the trigger enough, nor did he cut off the cage. Their first meeting was more entertaining.</p><p>After Volkanovski got his hand raised, I couldn't help but wonder what the point of this was. A second win over Lopes doesn't do much for Volkanovski's resume. And Lopes, one of the featherweight division's rising stars, is now 0-2 in championship fights and officially out of the title mix - at least for the foreseeable future.</p><p>The UFC matchmakers get a lot of things right, but they missed the mark with Volkanovski-Lopes 2.</p><h3>What's next for Volkanovski?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/cropped_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w220xh124_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w320xh180_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w640xh360_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w768xh432_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/759646/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2188800458.jpg?ts=1733696132 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steve Marcus / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>At 37, Volkanovski may not be in his prime anymore, but he is still clearly the best featherweight in the world with Ilia Topuria competing at lightweight. However, it's time to see him tested against fresh opposition.</p><p>Ahead of UFC 325, Volkanovski didn't shy away from the fact he believed Evloev and Murphy were both more deserving of a title shot than Lopes. It's not Volkanovski's fault - or Lopes' for that matter - that the promotion went in a different direction. But one of those two guys has to be next in line.</p><h3>Saint Denis, Ruffy cement themselves as lightweight contenders</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/cropped_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820069/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259382101.jpg?ts=1769976470 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Kolbe Photography / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>The lightweight division is in good hands, as Saint Denis extended his winning streak to four against Hooker and Mauricio Ruffy earned the biggest victory of his career versus Rafael Fiziev.</p><p>Saint Denis used his grappling to wear down Hooker and then pummeled him on the ground with elbows and punches, scoring a TKO finish at the 4:45 mark of the second round. Ruffy floored Fiziev with a massive right hand and then got the job done with ground-and-pound, winning at the 4:30 mark of the second frame.</p><p>While Saint Denis and Ruffy still have more work to do before challenging for the title, it's safe to say that the Frenchman and Brazilian are officially among the division's elite.</p><h3>Bye-bye, 'Bam Bam'</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/cropped_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w220xh124_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w320xh180_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w640xh360_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w768xh432_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820070/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2258747519.jpg?ts=1769976497 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">STEVEN MARKHAM / AFP / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>I get that Tai Tuivasa is a fan favorite, but let's be honest: Riding a six-fight losing streak, "Bam Bam" has no business being on the UFC roster anymore.</p><p>His unanimous decision loss to Tallison Teixeira on Saturday - his first fight since August 2024 - was entertaining at times but embarrassing at others, and it said a lot about the state of the heavyweight division. By the end of the fight, Teixeira and Tuivasa were both so exhausted that all they could do was sit down next to each other on the canvas.</p><p>Tuivasa has delivered many memorable moments both in the Octagon and outside of it (like drinking beer from shoes), but it's time for the promotion to let him loose.</p><h3>Salkilld is a prospect to watch</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/cropped_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w220xh124_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w320xh180_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w640xh360_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w768xh432_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/820071/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2259316527.jpg?ts=1769976547 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Australia's Quillan Salkilld was one of the standout performers at UFC 325.</p><p>The 26-year-old lightweight tapped out veteran Jamie Mullarkey with a rear-naked choke in the first round. He improved to 4-0 in the promotion, with three of those wins ending within the first five minutes.</p><p>In his most recent fight before Saturday, Salkilld delivered one of the biggest highlights of 2025, a head-kick knockout of Nasrat Haqparast at UFC 321. Clearly, Salkilld can do it all: knock you out, submit you, or beat you on the scorecards. And at his age, he has a lot of time to improve his game. Keep an eye on him, because he could very well be a problem in the 155-pound division sooner than later.</p>

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UFC 325 takeaways: We didn't need Volkanovski-Lopes 2

Father Time is apparently no match for Alexander Volkanovski.  The UFC featherweight champion ret...

<p>Father Time is apparently no match for Alexander Volkanovski.</p><p>The UFC featherweight champion retained his title Saturday night, defeating Diego Lopes via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) in the UFC 325 main event at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.</p><p>Volkanovski beat Lopes for the second time in nine months. The Australian also won a unanimous decision at UFC 314 last April to capture the vacant 145-pound championship. This was the first defense of Volkanovski's second title reign.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It ain't getting any easier, I can tell you that," Volkanovski, 37, said in his postfight interview. "(During) camp, (there) was a lot of things going on. We pushed through."</p><p>Volkanovski is now tied with Jose Aldo for the most title-fight wins in UFC featherweight history (eight).</p><p>Volkanovski controlled the action and outworked Lopes throughout much of the fight. He outlanded the challenger 98-70 in significant strikes and 112-74 in total strikes.</p><p>Volkanovski kept Lopes at bay with jabs and landed heavy punches in the pocket, once again proving to be more technically sound on the feet. Lopes scored a flash knockdown in the third round, though Volkanovski was never seriously hurt.</p><p>Down on the scorecards entering the fifth round, Lopes had a brief chance at pulling off a comeback. He got on Volkanovski's back and went for a rear-naked choke, but Volkanovski escaped the position. Later in the round, Lopes tried to sink in a kimura but wasn't successful. Volkanovski got out of danger and ended the fight on top of Lopes.</p><p>"I wanted to take him out, I wanted to grab hold of him and put him down, but he was strong," Volkanovski said. "I didn't want to stand for 25 minutes, I'll be honest. But we got the job done, so it's all good."</p><p>Volkanovski is now riding a two-fight winning streak. "The Great," whose first title reign lasted from 2019-24, dropped the belt in a devastating knockout loss to Ilia Topuria in February 2024. But he became a two-time featherweight champion against Lopes nine months ago after Topuria vacated the title to move up to lightweight.</p><p>One of the greatest fighters of all time, Volkanovski is one title defense away from tying Aldo's record for the most in UFC featherweight history (seven).</p><p>Lopes, a 31-year-old Brazilian, fell to 1-2 in his last three Octagon appearances.</p>

Australia's Alexander Volkanovski celebrates winning the men's featherweight division title fight against Brazil's Diego Lopes during the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) 325 at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney on February 1, 2026. / --IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE--

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Volkanovski beats Lopes again to retain UFC featherweight title

UFC 325 took place Saturday night at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. In the main event, Alexander Vol...

<p><em>UFC 325 took place Saturday night at Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney. In the main event, Alexander Volkanovski defeated Diego Lopes via unanimous decision to retain the featherweight title. theScore's Nick Baldwin provided live results and analysis throughout the card.</em></p><p>📌 <strong>Jump to: </strong><a href="#saint%20denis">Saint Denis' TKO</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#ruffy">Ruffy's TKO</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#teixeira">Teixeira's UD</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#salkilld">Salkilld's submission</a> |<strong> </strong><a href="#elekana">Prelims</a> | <a href="#early%20prelims">Early prelims</a></p><h3>Volkanovski reigns Down Under</h3><p>Alexander Volkanovski cruised past Diego Lopes, earning a unanimous decision victory to retain the featherweight championship. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 49-46, and 50-45 in his favor.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>For more, tap <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3469031" href="https://thescore.com/news/3469031">here</a>.</p><h3>Volkanovski's walkout is an all-timer</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">VOLK MAKES THAT WALK! 🇦🇺<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC325</a> | Live on TNT Sports &amp; discovery+ <a href="https://t.co/J8rbvBKCse">pic.twitter.com/J8rbvBKCse</a></p>— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufcontnt/status/2017815416119193990?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>Who ya got, Volkanovski or Lopes?</h3><p>Volkanovski closed as a -160 betting favorite over Lopes (-140) on theScore Bet. Who are you picking to win the main event?</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Will Diego Lopes get revenge against Alexander Volkanovski tonight? 💥 <a href="https://t.co/HFvXAHXOV0">pic.twitter.com/HFvXAHXOV0</a></p>— theScore Bet (@theScoreBet) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScoreBet/status/2017674496992272805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 31, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3><a id="saint denis" name="saint%20denis">Saint Denis destroys Hooker</a></h3><p>Benoit Saint Denis battered Dan Hooker in the co-main event, earning a TKO finish at the 4:45 mark of the second 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%2F1418423646677002%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>After a competitive first round, Saint Denis used his ground game to dominate Hooker in the second stanza. The Frenchman got on top, attempted multiple submissions, and turned Hooker's face into a bloody mess with vicious ground-and-pound. Referee Herb Dean gave Hooker every opportunity to stay in the fight but eventually waved it off.</p><p>Saint Denis, the No. 8-ranked lightweight, will move closer to the top five after taking out No. 6 Hooker. The 30-year-old is now riding a four-fight winning streak.</p><p>Hooker, a 35-year-old New Zealander, has lost two in a row. </p><blockquote><p>👉 <strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466305">Check out all the odds available for UFC 325 on theScore Bet here</a></strong></p></blockquote><h3><a id="ruffy" name="ruffy">Ruffy makes statement with TKO of Fiziev</a></h3><p>Mauricio Ruffy earned the biggest win of his career, finishing Rafael Fiziev via TKO at the 4:30 mark of the second round in a lightweight bout.</p><p>Ruffy loaded up on a right hand that rocked Fiziev and then sat him down with a follow-up punch. Fiziev tried to escape danger, but Ruffy unleashed ground-and-pound to force the referee to intervene.</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%2F2469879953430789%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>With the victory, Ruffy bounced back from a submission loss to Benoit Saint Denis at UFC Paris last September. The 29-year-old Brazilian has won four of five fights in the promotion.</p><p>Fiziev, who was coming off a decision win over Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC Baku last June, is 1-4 in his last five outings.</p><p>Ruffy and Fiziev were ranked No. 14 and No. 9 in the 155-pound division coming in, respectively.</p><h3><a id="teixeira" name="teixeira">Teixeira holds off Tuivasa to win decision</a></h3><p>Tallison Teixeira defeated Tai Tuivasa in a back-and-forth heavyweight bout, earning a unanimous decision victory. All three judges scored the fight 29-28 in his favor.</p><p>Teixeira outgrappled Tuivasa in the first two rounds but had to survive a late rally from Tuivasa to secure the judges' nod. In the third round, Tuivasa charged forward and landed heavy punches, but he was unable to find the knockout. Both men were visibly exhausted by the end of the fight.</p><p>Teixeira, a 26-year-old Brazilian, went the distance for the first time in his MMA career. He improved to 9-1 as a professional and 2-1 in the UFC.</p><p>Tuivasa, who returned to the Octagon for the first time since August 2024, suffered his sixth loss in a row.</p><h3><a id="salkilld" name="salkilld">Salkilld makes quick work of Mullarkey</a></h3><p>Quillan Salkilld continued his rise in the lightweight division with a submission win over Jamie Mullarkey. Salkilld secured a takedown and then tapped Mullarkey out with a rear-naked choke at the 3:02 mark of the first round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Wasted no time in this one tonight 😤<a href="https://twitter.com/quillansalkilld?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@QuillanSalkilld</a> gets the submission victory in round one! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC325</a><br><br>[ LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/PoMvr4be8a">pic.twitter.com/PoMvr4be8a</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2017786981841789205?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The 26-year-old Perth, Australia, native is now riding an 11-fight winning streak. He's earned first-round finishes in three of his past four Octagon appearances.</p><p>Salkilld said he wants a top-15 opponent next.</p><h3>Volkanovski, Lopes arrive for main event</h3><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC325</a> main event has arrived 🤩<br><br>Main card starts NOW ➡️ <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paramountplus</a> <a href="https://t.co/EaQbhGGCbr">pic.twitter.com/EaQbhGGCbr</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2017780512992202934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3><a id="elekana" name="elekana">Elekana taps out Tafa</a></h3><p>Billy Elekana survived heavy punches on the feet to submit Junior Tafa with a rear-naked choke in the second round of their light heavyweight bout.</p><p>After stinging Tafa with a big shot of his own, Elekana got the fight to the ground and locked up the submission shortly thereafter, forcing the tap at the 3:18 mark of the round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Make that 3 in a row for Billy Elekana 👊<br><br>He's leaving <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC325</a> with the submission victory! <br><br>[ LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/Q05S8fqAcg">pic.twitter.com/Q05S8fqAcg</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2017777913681109299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Elekana, a 30-year-old American, is now 3-1 in the Octagon after making his debut last January. Tafa, 29, fell to 2-5 in the promotion.</p><h3>Rowston delivers ground-and-pound finish</h3><p>Middleweight up-and-comer Cam Rowston got the job done in front of his hometown crowd, pounding out Cody Brundage on the ground. The TKO finish came at the 4:08 mark of the second round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Still undefeated 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/camrowston?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CamRowston</a> gets the TKO victory in round two! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC325</a><br><br>[ LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/avbFiaVvgW">pic.twitter.com/avbFiaVvgW</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2017772390911009032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Rowston, a 31-year-old born in Sydney, improved to 2-0 in the Octagon with the victory.</p><h3>Malkoun hands Finney 1st loss</h3><p>Jacob Malkoun dominated Torrez Finney in a middleweight bout, winning by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26). Finney suffered the first loss of his career, falling to 11-1 as a pro.</p><p>Malkoun controlled the distance on the feet and peppered Finney with punches throughout the fight. He scored a knockdown in the second round. Malkoun, 30, lifted his pro record to 9-3.</p><h3>Micallef's nasty submission kicks off prelims</h3><p>Welterweight prospect Jonathan Micallef put Oban Elliott to sleep in the opening preliminary bout, scoring a rear-naked choke finish at the 3:31 mark of the second round.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">JUST LIKE THAT 💥<br><br>Jonathan Micallef gets the submission victory in round two! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UFC325?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UFC325</a><br><br>[ LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/paramountplus?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParamountPlus</a> ] <a href="https://t.co/m9QX7dEu2I">pic.twitter.com/m9QX7dEu2I</a></p>— UFC (@ufc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ufc/status/2017757407426888157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>Micallef, a 26-year-old Australian, improved to 2-0 in the UFC and 9-0 as a professional. He said after the win he wants to face Neil Magny next.</p><h3>Full UFC 325 fight card</h3><p>Volkanovski is defending the featherweight championship for the first time since reclaiming it last year. The 37-year-old Australian defeated Lopes by unanimous decision at UFC 314 last April to become the second-ever two-time featherweight champion in UFC history. Volkanovski, one of the greatest fighters of all time, rebounded from back-to-back losses against Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev.</p><p>Lopes gets a second crack at the title after scoring a second-round knockout of Jean Silva in the Noche UFC main event last September. The No. 2-ranked contender is 6-1 in his last seven Octagon appearances and has beaten the likes of Silva, Brian Ortega, and Dan Ige.</p><p>In the co-main event, Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint Denis will square off in a lightweight bout.</p><p>Here's a look at the rest of the UFC 325 fight card:</p><p><strong>Main card (Paramount+ at 9 p.m. ET)</strong></p><ul>
<li>Alexander Volkanovski vs. Diego Lopes</li>
<li>Dan Hooker vs. Benoit Saint Denis</li>
<li>Rafael Fiziev vs. Mauricio Ruffy</li>
<li>Tai Tuivasa vs. Tallison Teixeira</li>
<li>Quillan Salkilld vs. Jamie Mullarkey</li>
</ul><p><strong>Preliminary card (Paramount+ at 7 p.m. ET)</strong></p><ul>
<li>Junior Tafa vs. Billy Elekana</li>
<li>Cam Rowston vs. Cody Brundage</li>
<li>Jacob Malkoun vs. Torrez Finney</li>
<li>Jonathan Micallef vs. Oban Elliott</li>
</ul><h3><a id="early prelims" name="early%20prelims">'Road to UFC' winners crowned on early prelims</a></h3><p>The early preliminary card featured the "Road to UFC" finals. Keiichiro Nakamura scored a come-from-behind TKO of Sebastian Szalay, landing a vicious knee to win the featherweight title at the 3:48 mark of the third round. Lawrence Lui took a split decision over Sulangrangbo at bantamweight and Dom Mar Fan defeated Kim Sangwook by unanimous decision at lightweight. </p><p>Also on the early prelims, featherweight Kaan Ofli earned a majority decision over Yizha in an official UFC bout.</p>

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Alexander Volkanovski of Australia punches Diego Lopes of Brazil in the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 325 event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia.

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UFC 325: Volkanovski vs. Lopes 2 results, analysis

UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov still isn't close to returning to the Octagon.  Rakh...

<p>UFC welterweight contender Shavkat Rakhmonov still isn't close to returning to the Octagon.</p><p>Rakhmonov, who last fought in December 2024, recently reinjured his knee and underwent surgery, which is expected to keep him sidelined for another 9-10 months, his manager, Daniel Rubenstein, told <a href="https://x.com/arielhelwani/status/2017715182319898821?s=20">Uncrowned's Ariel Helwani</a> on Saturday.</p><p>Rakhmonov has been dealing with a knee injury since his most recent fight, a unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310. The 31-year-old <a href="https://x.com/octagonupdate/status/2017625514014323159">was seen</a> using crutches while attending an MMA event in his native Kazakhstan on Saturday.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"It's not easy to accept, but I truly believe every setback is part of a bigger plan," Rakhmonov <a href="https://x.com/Rakhmonov1994/status/2017841217430851764?s=20">wrote</a> in a statement on X. "I will come back stronger, smarter, and hungrier than ever.</p><p>"My goal is still alive. The UFC still has to come to Kazakhstan."</p><p>Ranked No. 2 in the welterweight division, Rakhmonov was in line to challenge for the title prior to his injury. "Nomad" holds a 19-0 professional record and is 7-0 in the UFC, with wins over Garry, Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, and Geoff Neal, among others.</p><p> </p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 16: Shavkat Rakhmonov of Kazakhstan enters the octagon to start a welterweight fight against Stephen Thompson 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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Rakhmonov to be sidelined another 9-10 months after knee surgery

theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 325 in Sydney.  Featherweight cha...

<p><em>theScore's Nick Baldwin makes his picks ahead of Saturday's UFC 325 in Sydney.</em></p><h3>Featherweight championship</h3><p><strong>Alexander Volkanovski (27-4)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Diego Lopes (27-7)</strong></p><p>After reclaiming the UFC featherweight title last spring, Alexander Volkanovski is looking to kick off his second reign the same way he started it: with a win over Diego Lopes.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Though Volkanovski decisively won their first meeting at UFC 314 last April, it's far from a guarantee we'll see the same outcome in the rematch. Volkanovski, 37, has endured a lot of wear and tear and continues to move further from his prime. Meanwhile, Lopes, 31, has never looked better than in his bounce-back knockout of Jean Silva at Noche UFC last September.</p><blockquote><p>🤜 <a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970"><strong>Check out all the odds available for UFC 325 on theScore Bet here</strong></a></p></blockquote><p>To avenge his loss, Lopes will need to do a better job of cutting off the cage while on the feet. He hurt Volkanovski multiple times in the first fight but followed him around the Octagon too much, ultimately letting him off the hook. If Lopes can rock Volkanovski and then connect with powerful follow-up shots, he has a good chance of beginning his own title reign.</p><p>Volkanovski is more or less hoping for a repeat of the first fight. He outlanded Lopes 158-63 in significant strikes and had a huge edge in technique and skill in the stand-up department. It would've been a shutout, barring the flash knockdown in the second round and one or two other moments of uncertainty.</p><p>Father Time could catch up to Volkanovski at any moment, but until I see it happen with my own eyes, I have to back him to beat Lopes again.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=bc2b2339-7d76-4124-aaac-40753fa29fa1&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=12&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=5&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325%2Fevent%2Fe49ec499-4a7c-4669-ac44-aac6ae587087&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Volkanovski, unanimous decision</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780334/cropped_GettyImages-2210000016.jpg?ts=1744523762" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780334/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210000016.jpg?ts=1744523762 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780334/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210000016.jpg?ts=1744523762 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780334/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210000016.jpg?ts=1744523762 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780334/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210000016.jpg?ts=1744523762 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/780334/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210000016.jpg?ts=1744523762 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3><p><strong>Dan Hooker (24-13)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Benoit Saint Denis (16-3, 1 NC)</strong></p><p>Benoit Saint Denis will keep the momentum going with a violent finish of Dan Hooker.</p><p>Saint Denis had a resurgent 2025 campaign, finishing Kyle Prepolec, Mauricio Ruffy, and Beneil Dariush in consecutive fights to get back in the mix at 155 pounds.</p><p>Hooker is looking to get on track after a submission loss to Arman Tsarukyan at UFC Qatar in November. Though Hooker is known for his durability and toughness, I expect Saint Denis to eventually crack his chin and make a statement.</p><p><strong>👊 </strong><strong>The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=5b8ea2c9-667a-4c6a-b896-6f2a1b0e507d&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325%2Fevent%2F133e2bd6-a9d2-4e69-8ec2-5333ee3a6fe0&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Saint Denis, second-round TKO</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796282/cropped_GettyImages-2214435801.jpg?ts=1753992107" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796282/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214435801.jpg?ts=1753992107 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796282/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214435801.jpg?ts=1753992107 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796282/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214435801.jpg?ts=1753992107 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796282/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214435801.jpg?ts=1753992107 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/796282/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214435801.jpg?ts=1753992107 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3><p><strong>Rafael Fiziev (13-4)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Mauricio Ruffy (12-2)</strong></p><p>This is another matchup that could earn Fight of the Night honors, as neither Rafael Fiziev nor Mauricio Ruffy is ever in boring fights. Ruffy was the talk of the town after his Knockout of the Year against King Green last March, but his stock took a major and sudden hit when Saint Denis tapped him out six months later. Fortunately for Ruffy, Fiziev isn't a submission specialist, but unfortunately for Ruffy, Fiziev is highly skilled on the feet. I'm picking Fiziev to win a close one.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=52dc0322-7b59-4671-811f-074d086f0c04&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=53&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=20&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325%2Fevent%2F97bbc39b-86f5-4ce5-b463-b08a04c38c48&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Fiziev, split decision</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774228/cropped_GettyImages-2203826234.jpg?ts=1741494942" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774228/w220xh124_GettyImages-2203826234.jpg?ts=1741494942 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774228/w320xh180_GettyImages-2203826234.jpg?ts=1741494942 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774228/w640xh360_GettyImages-2203826234.jpg?ts=1741494942 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774228/w768xh432_GettyImages-2203826234.jpg?ts=1741494942 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/774228/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2203826234.jpg?ts=1741494942 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>Tai Tuivasa (14-8)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Tallison Teixeira (8-1)</strong></p><p>I really wanted to pick Tai Tuivasa to snap his five-fight losing streak, but then I remembered that Tallison Teixeira is 26 years old, 8-1 as a professional, and eager to bounce back from his first career loss. Yeah, I'll take that guy instead.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=33b7d87e-0546-4121-b8ac-2c69b24baff8&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=21&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=2&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325%2Fevent%2F1a2e6de4-9b95-4c29-a62f-9faa99f9a70e&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Teixeira, first-round submission</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794084/cropped_GettyImages-2224644915.jpg?ts=1769722248" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794084/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224644915.jpg?ts=1769722248 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794084/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224644915.jpg?ts=1769722248 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794084/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224644915.jpg?ts=1769722248 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794084/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224644915.jpg?ts=1769722248 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/794084/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224644915.jpg?ts=1769722248 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Bottari / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><h3>Lightweight bout</h3><p><strong>Quillan Salkilld (10-1)</strong><br><strong>vs.</strong><br><strong>Jamie Mullarkey (18-8)</strong></p><p>Quillan Salkilld is a 10-1 betting favorite and is coming off one of the most devastating knockouts of 2025. Enough said.</p><p><strong>👊 The pick: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=b5720fb7-84b8-45c9-b1f0-29db848b6482&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=11&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=4&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325%2Fevent%2F289439c9-fce2-41ab-8f5a-f4aef9e24fb3&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Salkilld, first-round TKO</a></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769571/cropped_GettyImages-2198436750.jpg?ts=1739059290" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769571/w220xh124_GettyImages-2198436750.jpg?ts=1739059290 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769571/w320xh180_GettyImages-2198436750.jpg?ts=1739059290 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769571/w640xh360_GettyImages-2198436750.jpg?ts=1739059290 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769571/w768xh432_GettyImages-2198436750.jpg?ts=1739059290 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/769571/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2198436750.jpg?ts=1739059290 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=95ba33ee-a3c5-4448-a55a-126527bbee1b&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=51&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=31&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Alexander Volkanovski (-150) def. Diego Lopes</a></p><p>This isn't a bad price for the featherweight champ. I'd pass if the odds got any worse, but at -150, Volkanovski is worth a small play.</p><p><strong>💥 Best underdog bet: </strong><a href="https://about.thescore.bet/sportsbook-redirect/?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=feb9ef3f-939f-4ce8-a957-9acbd7ba121a&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=2&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=1&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Rafael Fiziev (+100) def. Mauricio Ruffy</a></p><p>There aren't too many tempting underdogs on this card, but Fiziev has what it takes to edge out a narrow win against Ruffy.</p><p><strong>💥 Best prop bet: </strong><a href="https://espnbet.app.link/integrations?market_selection_id%5B0%5D=518ca844-a50f-46da-abc6-329f6b8f4d8a&amp;odds_numerator%5B0%5D=5&amp;odds_denominator%5B0%5D=3&amp;%24canonical_url=%2Fsport%2Fmma%2Forganization%2Fufc%2Fcompetition%2Fufc-325%2Fevent%2F289439c9-fce2-41ab-8f5a-f4aef9e24fb3&amp;campaign=thescore_content&amp;customer_campaign=article&amp;%7Echannel=thescore-content&amp;tags=3466970">Quillan Salkilld def. Jamie Mullarkey by KO/TKO/DQ (-150)</a></p><p>Salkilld has earned first-round knockouts in two of his three UFC fights, while Mullarkey's last four losses all came via knockout.</p><p><em>US: Must be 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER; Hope is here. Call <a href="tel:8003275050">(800)-327-5050</a> or visit <a href="http://gamblinghelplinema.org/">gamblinghelplinema.org</a> for 24/7 support (MA); Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY).</em></p><p><em>ON: Please play responsibly. 19+. ON only. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call ConnexOntario 24/7 at <a href="tel:18665312600">1-866-531-2600</a>. Text us at 247247 or chat with us at <a href="http://www.connexontario.ca/">www.connexontario.ca</a>.</em></p>

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UFC 325 predictions: Will Volkanovski beat Lopes again?

UFC 325 is upon us.  In Saturday's main event, Alexander Volkanovski defends the featherweight ti...

<p>UFC 325 is upon us.</p><p>In Saturday's main event, Alexander Volkanovski defends the featherweight title in a rematch with Diego Lopes. In the co-headliner, Dan Hooker and Benoit Saint Denis collide in a marquee lightweight bout.</p><p>Here are three key storylines ahead of the UFC's return to Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>How long can Volkanovski stay on top of the featherweight division?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797816/cropped_GettyImages-2210000711.jpg?ts=1769632879" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797816/w220xh124_GettyImages-2210000711.jpg?ts=1769632879 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797816/w320xh180_GettyImages-2210000711.jpg?ts=1769632879 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797816/w640xh360_GettyImages-2210000711.jpg?ts=1769632879 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797816/w768xh432_GettyImages-2210000711.jpg?ts=1769632879 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/797816/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2210000711.jpg?ts=1769632879 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Volkanovski has already cemented himself as one of the greatest fighters ever. He has the second-most title defenses (five) and second-longest winning streak (11) in UFC featherweight history. He's also beaten the who's who of the 145-pound division, from Jose Aldo and Max Holloway (three times) to Chan Sung Jung and Brian Ortega. But here he is, at 37, still looking to make his resume even better.</p><p>Volkanovski is seeking the first defense of his second title reign against Lopes, a familiar opponent whom he beat by unanimous decision at UFC 314 last April to capture the vacant belt. The UFC's decision to book a rematch was puzzling, but with Volkanovski a year older, Lopes could have a stronger shot at winning. Lopes, 31, rebounded from the loss to Volkanovski with a vicious knockout of Jean Silva at Noche UFC last September, earning himself another title shot.</p><p>All of this begs the question: How long will Volkanovski's second reign last? In a deep featherweight division that historically favors younger fighters, "not long" seems like a reasonable answer. But this is also an all-time great we're talking about. Volkanovski proved a lot of people wrong when he came back from back-to-back knockout losses to defeat Lopes, becoming the oldest fighter to win the UFC featherweight belt. Maybe, just maybe, Volkanovski can keep the championship ride alive a while longer.</p><h3>Will Saint Denis be in title contention with a win over Hooker?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778552/cropped_GettyImages-2175343901.jpg?ts=1743618216" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778552/w220xh124_GettyImages-2175343901.jpg?ts=1743618216 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778552/w320xh180_GettyImages-2175343901.jpg?ts=1743618216 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778552/w640xh360_GettyImages-2175343901.jpg?ts=1743618216 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778552/w768xh432_GettyImages-2175343901.jpg?ts=1743618216 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/778552/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2175343901.jpg?ts=1743618216 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Saint Denis is looking to keep the momentum going following a resurgent 2025 campaign.</p><p>After consecutive losses to Dustin Poirier and Renato Moicano in 2024, Saint Denis had appeared to hit his ceiling as a lightweight contender. However, he rebounded with three straight wins last year, including a 16-second knockout of Beneil Dariush and a submission of Mauricio Ruffy. Now, Saint Denis is back on the right track.</p><p>The No. 8-ranked lightweight has a major opportunity in front of him. A win over Hooker, ranked No. 6, would have Saint Denis knocking on the doorstep of title contention - and a step closer to becoming one of the division's elites.</p><h3>Is Tuivasa fighting for his job?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633968/cropped_GettyImages-1670990275.jpg?ts=1719074591" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633968/w220xh124_GettyImages-1670990275.jpg?ts=1719074591 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633968/w320xh180_GettyImages-1670990275.jpg?ts=1719074591 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633968/w640xh360_GettyImages-1670990275.jpg?ts=1719074591 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633968/w768xh432_GettyImages-1670990275.jpg?ts=1719074591 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/633968/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1670990275.jpg?ts=1719074591 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Unger / UFC / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Taking on Tallison Teixeira in a heavyweight bout, Tai Tuivasa returns to the Octagon this weekend for the first time since August 2024.</p><p>The 32-year-old Australian has fallen on hard times, as he's lost five in a row and hasn't won since knocking out Derrick Lewis in February 2022. Notably, four of those losses were finishes.</p><p>Thanks to Tuivasa's popularity and fan-friendly style, the UFC has given him a longer leash than others. Some of the defeats were also a bit excusable, given the steep level of competition: Ciryl Gane, Alexander Volkov, and Sergei Pavlovich, among others. But if Tuivasa doesn't get past Teixeira, who's 1-1 in the UFC, there's a good chance that will mark the end of his run in the promotion.</p>

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 05: Alexander Volkanovski is seen on stage during the UFC It's On Seasonal Press Conference at T-Mobile Arena on December 05, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

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3 biggest storylines ahead of UFC 325

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34251509/related

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.

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34254115/related

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'

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Nick Baldwin

News Editor

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