The bantamweight division showcases a pivotal matchup at UFC 324 as undefeated prospect Umar Nurmagomedov (19-1) seeks to rebound from his first career loss and reassert his title contention against former flyweight king Deiveson Figueiredo (25-5-1), who continues his quest for gold in a new weight class. Nurmagomedov, a grappling phenom with elite wrestling pedigree, enters as a massive favorite after challenging for the title in 2025, while Figueiredo, “Deus da Guerra,” brings championship experience and knockout power but has struggled against top bantamweights. With no prior history, this fight pits Nurmagomedov’s suffocating control against Figueiredo’s explosive striking and submission threats. A win for Nurmagomedov could fast-track a rematch with champion Merab Dvalishvili, while Figueiredo aims to upset the odds and climb back into contention. On a stacked card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, this co-main event has potential for a highlight-reel finish or a grueling decision.

Venue Location

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-stakes bantamweight fights, including several title bouts with dramatic knockouts and submissions.

The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight is on the main card, likely airing around 11:00-11:30 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.

Injury Report

Umar Nurmagomedov: No active injuries. Nurmagomedov suffered a broken left hand in the first round of his UFC 311 title loss to Merab Dvalishvili on January 18, 2025, leading to a 180-day medical suspension. He underwent successful rehab and was cleared by late 2025, with no issues in training camp for this fight.

Deiveson Figueiredo: No active injuries. Figueiredo sustained a partial anterolateral ligament tear in his knee during a TKO loss to Cory Sandhagen at UFC Fight Night on May 3, 2025, but avoided surgery. He rehabbed through physical therapy and returned in October 2025 without issues, confirming full recovery in interviews.

Fighter Matchups

This bantamweight (135 lbs) co-main event pits Nurmagomedov’s (5’8″, 69″ reach, 30 years old) elite wrestling and submission game (7 subs, 37% of wins) against Figueiredo’s (5’5″, 68″ reach, 38 years old) knockout power and guillotine threat (9 KOs, 9 subs). Nurmagomedov lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 56% accuracy, with 3.2 takedowns per 15 minutes at 55% success and strong ground control (2.5 submission attempts per 15 minutes). He’s an orthodox fighter who excels in chaining takedowns and transitions. Figueiredo absorbs 3.8 strikes per minute but counters with 4.8 at 57% accuracy, boasting a 1.2 knockdown rate and solid takedown defense (75%). Styles clash: Nurmagomedov’s pressure and ground dominance vs. Figueiredo’s explosive striking and submission counters; if Nurmagomedov takes it down, his control could stifle Figueiredo, but “Deus da Guerra’s” power (1.0 knockdowns per 15 minutes) threatens at range.

Recent Form

Umar Nurmagomedov: On a 1-fight win streak after his first loss. Last 5: W (UD vs. Mario Bautista, Oct 25, 2025), L (UD vs. Merab Dvalishvili, Jan 18, 2025), W (UD vs. Cory Sandhagen, Aug 3, 2024), W (UD vs. Bekzat Almakhan, Mar 2, 2024), W (UD vs. Raoni Barcelos, Jan 14, 2023). Form emphasizes elite wrestling and decision dominance (10 of 19 wins by DEC), with improved striking volume post-loss.

Deiveson Figueiredo: On a 1-fight win streak after two losses. Last 5: W (SD vs. Montel Jackson, Oct 11, 2025), L (TKO vs. Cory Sandhagen, May 3, 2025), L (UD vs. Petr Yan, Nov 23, 2024), W (UD vs. Marlon Vera, Aug 3, 2024), W (UD vs. Cody Garbrandt, Apr 13, 2024). Form shows resilience and decision wins (7 of 25 by DEC), but recent losses highlight age-related slowdowns against top bantamweights.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Nurmagomedov and Figueiredo—no prior head-to-head history or bad blood. They share common opponents like Cory Sandhagen (Nurmagomedov W UD 2024; Figueiredo L TKO 2025) and Marlon Vera (Nurmagomedov no; Figueiredo W UD 2024). Nurmagomedov’s UFC record (7-1) vs. Figueiredo’s (14-5-1) highlights the Brazilian’s experience, but no notable feuds or callouts.

FIGHT ODDS

Umar Nurmagomedov                  – 900

Deiveson Figueiredo                      + 650

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

The flyweight division takes center stage on the early prelims of UFC 324 as former title challenger Alex Perez (25-10) aims to rebound from back-to-back losses against surging contender Charles Johnson (18-7). Perez, a technical striker with solid grappling, returns after a tough 2025 marked by a submission loss and injury setbacks, facing a confident Johnson who’s riding a wave of finishes and decision wins. Johnson, known for his volume striking and durability, looks to crack the top 10 with a win over the veteran. This matchup could be a high-paced striking affair if Perez dictates range or turn into a grind if Johnson closes distance. No prior history or bad blood, but Perez’s experience vs. Johnson’s momentum adds intrigue to a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.

Venue Location

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, known for its vibrant crowd and history of hosting explosive flyweight fights, with several decisions and stoppages in recent events.

The prelims starting at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT, 4:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims follow at 7:00 p.m. ET, and the main card at 9:00 p.m. ET. This fight is on the early prelims, likely airing around 5:30-6:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+ and UFC Fight Pass.

Injury Report

Alex Perez: No active injuries reported heading into the fight. Perez recovered from a severe knee injury (ACL tear) sustained in June 2024 against Tatsuro Taira, which sidelined him until November 2025. He returned but lost via submission to Asu Almabayev; full recovery confirmed with no lingering issues.

Charles Johnson: No reported injuries. Johnson’s last bout in August 2025 was unaffected by health issues, and training camp updates indicate peak condition for this matchup.

Fighter Matchups

This flyweight (125 lbs) early prelim bout pits Perez’s veteran grappling and submission skills against Johnson’s volume striking and durability. Perez (5’6″, 65″ reach, 33 years old) lands 4.8 significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy, with strong takedowns (2.1 per 15 minutes at 48% success) and submissions (7 career subs, 28% of wins). He’s a switch-stance fighter who excels in scrambles and ground control. Johnson (5’9″, 70″ reach, 35 years old) absorbs 4.2 strikes per minute but counters with 5.2 at 58% accuracy, boasting solid takedown defense (75%) and knockout power (8 KOs, 44% of wins). Styles clash: Perez’s pressure and ground game vs. Johnson’s range and cardio; if Perez closes, his subs threaten, but Johnson’s height/reach could keep it standing for a decision.

Recent Form

Alex Perez: On a rough stretch with 2-3 in his last 5, showing vulnerability to submissions and injuries. Last 5: L (Sub vs. Almabayev Nov 2025), L (TKO injury vs. Taira Jun 2024), W (KO vs. Nicolau Apr 2024), L (UD vs. Mokaev Mar 2024), L (Sub vs. Pantoja Jul 2022). Form emphasizes finishing power when healthy but recent losses highlight grappling defenses issues.

Charles Johnson: 4-1 in his last 5, with a mix of finishes and decisions. Last 5: W (KO vs. Kavanagh Aug 2025), L (UD vs. Temirov Mar 2025), W (UD vs. Sumudaerji Oct 2024), W (KO vs. Van Jul 2024), W (UD vs. Hadley May 2024). Form highlights durability and ability to outstrike opponents over distance, but the loss shows struggles against elite volume.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Perez and Johnson—no prior head-to-head or bad blood reported. They share no common opponents of note. Perez’s UFC tenure (11-6) edges Johnson’s (7-5), but no notable connections or feuds. A clean stylistic matchup.

FIGHT ODDS

Alex Perez                           + 165

Charles Johnson               – 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

The light heavyweight division delivers a clash of veterans at UFC 324 as No. 8-ranked Nikita “The Miner” Krylov (30-9) seeks to extend his win streak against Modestas “The Baltic Gladiator” Bukauskas (16-6), who aims to bounce back from a recent loss. Krylov, a Ukrainian submission specialist with knockout power, enters as a strong favorite after three straight finishes, facing a Lithuanian striker known for his durability and counter-punching. This bout could be a grappling vs. striking chess match, with Krylov’s ground game potentially overwhelming Bukauskas if he closes distance, or Bukauskas’ footwork keeping it standing for a decision. No prior bad blood, but both have faced common opponents like Ryan Spann (Krylov W Sub; Bukauskas L KO), adding indirect intrigue. On a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title, this prelim has Fight of the Night potential if it goes long.

Venue Location

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat iconic venue, a UFC pay-per-view staple since 2016, is renowned for its high-energy crowds and history of hosting explosive light heavyweight bouts, including several submission finishes in recent events.

The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight is on the prelims, likely airing around 7:30-8:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.

Injury Report

Nikita Krylov: No reported injuries. Krylov is fully healthy after a minor hand issue in his September 2025 training camp, which didn’t affect his performance in his last win. He confirmed full recovery in a December 2025 interview, with no setbacks noted heading into this bout.

Modestas Bukauskas: No reported injuries. Bukauskas enters cleared after recovering from a knee strain sustained in his July 2025 loss, undergoing rehab and returning to full sparring by October 2025. Recent updates show him in peak condition.

Fighter Matchups

This light heavyweight (205 lbs) prelim bout contrasts Krylov’s (6’3″, 77″ reach, 36 years old) aggressive grappling and submission threat (18 subs, 60% of wins) with Bukauskas’ (6’3″, 78″ reach, 31 years old) technical striking and takedown defense (72% rate). Krylov lands 4.5 significant strikes per minute at 55% accuracy but excels on the ground, averaging 2.8 takedowns per 15 minutes at 52% success and a 2.5 submission attempts rate. He’s a southpaw with knockout power (10 KOs) but thrives in scrambles. Bukauskas absorbs fewer strikes (3.8 per minute) and counters effectively, landing 4.2 at 58% accuracy with solid footwork, but his grappling is average (0.8 takedowns per 15 minutes). Styles favor Krylov if he initiates clinches, but Bukauskas’ range management could force a stand-up war. Fight distance leans toward Krylov’s control, but Bukauskas’ chin (never submitted) could push a decision.

Recent Form

Nikita Krylov: On a three-fight win streak, all finishes. Overall 3-0 in last three: W (Sub R2 vs. Azamat Murzakanov, Sep 2025), W (KO R1 vs. Alonzo Menifield, Mar 2025), W (Sub R1 vs. Ryan Spann, Mar 2023). Form highlights resurgent finishing ability after a 1-2 skid, with improved striking volume and ground dominance.

Modestas Bukauskas: 3-2 in last five, mixing knockouts and decisions. Recent: L (KO R3 vs. Marcin Prachnio, Jul 2025), W (KO R2 vs. Vitor Petrino, Feb 2025), W (UD vs. Zac Pauga, Sep 2024), L (KO R1 vs. Carlos Ulberg, Mar 2024), W (KO R2 vs. Tyson Pedro, Feb 2024). Form shows power (9 KOs) but vulnerabilities to aggressive strikers, with his loss snapping a two-fight streak.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Krylov and Bukauskas—no prior head-to-head or bad blood. They share common opponents like Ryan Spann (Krylov W Sub 2023; Bukauskas no) and Alonzo Menifield (Krylov W KO 2025; Bukauskas no). Krylov’s UFC tenure (12-7) edges Bukauskas’ (4-4), but no notable connections or feuds. Clean stylistic matchup with no history of callouts.

FIGHT ODDS

Nikita Krylov                      + 120

Modestas Bukauskas      – 140

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

The middleweight division heats up at UFC 324 as undefeated UFC prospect Ateba “The Silent Assassin” Gautier (9-1) looks to continue his knockout streak against the durable Andrey Pulyaev (10-3), a Russian fighter aiming to rebound from his first UFC loss. Gautier, a 23-year-old powerhouse from Cameroon with explosive striking, enters as a heavy favorite after three consecutive first-round finishes in the Octagon. Pulyaev, 28, brings a grinding style with strong grappling and resilience, but faces an uphill battle against Gautier’s athleticism and power. This prelim bout has potential for an early stoppage, as both men have shown finishing ability, though Gautier’s recent form suggests he could overwhelm the veteran. No bad blood here—just a classic prospect vs. experience matchup on a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.

Venue Location

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat iconic venue, a staple for UFC pay-per-view events, is known for its high-energy crowds and history of hosting explosive middleweight fights, including several knockouts in recent years.

The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). This fight is on the prelims, likely airing around 7:30-8:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.

Injury Report

Ateba Gautier: No reported injuries. Gautier is fully healthy after a dominant run, with his most recent bout unaffected by any issues. He dealt with a late opponent change in October 2025 due to his original foe’s medical withdrawal but showed no lingering effects.

Andrey Pulyaev: No reported injuries. Pulyaev enters cleared and in good form, with no setbacks noted from his March 2025 decision loss. His training camp has focused on cardio and grappling, per recent updates, without any health concerns.

Fighter Matchups

This middleweight (185 lbs) prelim bout pits Gautier’s athletic, knockout-oriented striking against Pulyaev’s durable, pressure-fighting style. Gautier (6’4″, 81″ reach) lands 5.8 significant strikes per minute at 62% accuracy, with excellent takedown defense (85%) and power in both hands (89% of wins by KO/TKO). He’s a switch-stance fighter who excels in counters and clinch work. Pulyaev (6’4″, 76″ reach) absorbs more (4.2 strikes per minute) but presses forward relentlessly, averaging 2.5 takedowns per 15 minutes at 48% success and mixing in submissions (20% of wins). Styles make for a potential banger: Gautier’s volume and precision could pick apart Pulyaev at range, but if Pulyaev closes distance and grinds, his wrestling edge (from Sambo background) might neutralize the prospect. Fight distance favors Gautier early, but Pulyaev’s chin (never KO’d in UFC) could force a decision.

Recent Form

Ateba Gautier: On a four-fight win streak, all stoppages. Overall 4-0 in last four: W (TKO R1 vs. Treston Vines, Oct 2025), W (KO R1 vs. Robert Valentin, Jul 2025), W (KO R1 vs. Jose Medina, Mar 2025), W (KO R2 vs. Yura Naito, Sep 2024). Form showcases devastating power and improved finishing instincts, transitioning from decisions in early career to quick KOs in UFC.

Andrey Pulyaev: 3-1 in last four, mixing finishes and decisions. Recent: W (KO R2 vs. Nick Klein, Aug 2025), L (UD vs. Christian Leroy Duncan, Mar 2025), W (UD vs. Liam Anderson, Aug 2024), W (KO R1 vs. Well Oliveira, Feb 2024). Form highlights resilience and grinding wins, but the loss exposed vulnerabilities to high-volume strikers.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Gautier and Pulyaev—no prior head-to-head or bad blood. They share no common opponents of note. Gautier is 3-0 in UFC (all finishes), while Pulyaev is 2-1 (one KO, one UD win, one UD loss). No reported animosity; this is a clean stylistic matchup.

FIGHT ODDS

Ateba Gautier                   – 650

Andrey Pulyaev                + 475

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

The featherweight division delivers a clash of styles at UFC 324 as No. 6-ranked Arnold “Almighty” Allen (20-3) aims to build on his recent win against the explosive Jean “Lord” Silva (16-3), who seeks redemption after his first UFC loss. Allen, a technical striker with solid grappling, returns after an 18-month layoff due to a shoulder injury, facing a Brazilian knockout artist known for his aggressive, finish-heavy approach. This bout could end early if Silva’s power connects or go the distance if Allen’s experience and cardio prevail. With no prior encounters, the fight adds unpredictability to a card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title.

Venue Location

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This iconic 20,000-seat venue is a UFC staple, hosting high-stakes events with its state-of-the-art setup and electric atmosphere, ideal for a potential Fight of the Night contender.

The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). The fight is on the main card (bout No. 9 of 13), likely airing around 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET. Stream live on Paramount+.

Injury Report

Arnold Allen: Fully recovered from a severe shoulder injury (separated AC joint) sustained before his July 2024 camp against Movsar Evloev. He underwent surgery and rehabbed for 18 months, reporting no issues in training. Cleared for action with full mobility.

Jean Silva: No reported injuries. Coming off a TKO loss to Diego Lopes in September 2025, but he sustained no long-term damage. Fully healthy after a 13-fight win streak was snapped.

Fighter Matchups

This featherweight bout contrasts Allen’s (5’8″, 70″ reach, 31 years old) technical striking and grappling (4 submissions) with Silva’s (5’7″, 69″ reach, 29 years old) aggressive power punching (12 KOs). Allen lands 4.2 significant strikes per minute at 52% accuracy with strong takedown defense (80%), favoring patient counter-striking. Silva absorbs more (4.8 strikes per minute) but boasts a 2.1 knockdown rate per 15 minutes, thriving in chaotic brawls. If Allen dictates range, he could outpoint Silva; if Silva closes distance, his finishing ability (10 first-round wins) shines. No grappling edge for either, but Allen’s experience (11-2 UFC) vs. Silva’s momentum (5-1 UFC, all finishes before last loss) could decide.

Recent Form

Arnold Allen: On a 1-fight win streak after snapping a 2-fight skid. Overall 3-2 in last 5: W (UD vs. Chikadze, Jul 2024), L (UD vs. Evloev, Jan 2024), L (UD vs. Holloway, Apr 2023), W (TKO vs. Kattar, Oct 2022), W (TKO vs. Hooker, Mar 2022). Form highlights durability and finishing power, but recent losses to top contenders show vulnerabilities against elite wrestlers/strikers.

Jean Silva: 4-1 in last 5, snapping a 13-fight win streak with his first UFC loss. Recent: L (TKO vs. Lopes, Sep 2025), W (Sub vs. Mitchell, Apr 2025), W (KO vs. Baghdasaryan, Feb 2025), W (TKO vs. Dober, Jul 2024), W (KO vs. Jourdain, Jun 2024). Form emphasizes finishing ability (15/16 wins by stoppage), but loss exposed cardio issues in longer fights.

Fight History

This is the first meeting between Allen and Silva—no prior head-to-head. Common opponents include Bryce Mitchell (Silva W Sub 2025; Allen has not fought him) and Calvin Kattar (Allen W TKO 2022; Silva no). Allen’s UFC tenure (11-2) edges Silva’s (5-1), but Silva’s recent finishes highlight his threat. No bad blood reported.

FIGHT ODDS

Arnold Allen      + 210

Jean Silva            – 250

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026

The heavyweight division takes center stage at UFC 324 as rising contender Waldo “Salsa Boy” Cortes-Acosta (16-2) looks to extend his winning streak against knockout artist Derrick “The Black Beast” Lewis (29-12, 1 NC). Cortes-Acosta, known for his crisp boxing and power, enters as a heavy favorite after back-to-back first-round knockouts, while Lewis, at 40 years old, remains a dangerous one-punch threat despite recent inconsistencies. This bout could be a striker’s delight or a quick finish, with Lewis’ experience clashing against Cortes-Acosta’s youth and momentum. With no prior history between them, this matchup adds intrigue to a stacked card headlined by Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett.

Venue Location

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada. This 20,000-seat venue is a staple for UFC events, known for its electric atmosphere and history of hosting high-profile fights, including multiple heavyweight clashes.

The main card starting at 9:00 p.m. ET (6:00 p.m. PT, 7:00 p.m. local time in Las Vegas). Prelims begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT), and early prelims at 5:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. PT). The fight will stream live on Paramount+.

Injury Report

Waldo Cortes-Acosta: Cleared for action after suffering a severe eye poke and subsequent inflammation in his November 1, 2025, win over Ante Delija at UFC Fight Night. He underwent specialist evaluations and reported full recovery by late November, with no lingering issues heading into this bout. No other reported injuries.

Derrick Lewis: No active injuries reported. Lewis has credited UFC-provided peptides for aiding his recovery from past back and health issues, stating he’s in the best shape of his career at age 40. He demanded an investigation into early betting lines but appears fully healthy after his July 2025 knockout win.

Fighter Matchups

This heavyweight tilt pits Cortes-Acosta’s technical boxing and athleticism against Lewis’ raw power and knockout prowess. Cortes-Acosta (6’4″, 265 lbs, 80″ reach) is a former LFA champion with crisp combinations and solid takedown defense (75% rate), favoring stand-up exchanges where he lands 5.2 significant strikes per minute at 58% accuracy. Lewis (6’3″, 265 lbs, 79″ reach) is the UFC’s all-time knockout leader (16 KOs) with devastating one-punch power, absorbing 4.8 strikes per minute but boasting a 2.5 knockdowns per 15 minutes rate. Styles clash: Cortes-Acosta’s volume vs. Lewis’ explosiveness; if it goes long, Cortes-Acosta’s cardio edges out, but Lewis thrives in chaos.

Recent Team Forms

Waldo Cortes-Acosta: On a two-fight win streak (both first-round KOs). Overall 4-1 in last five: W (KO vs. Gaziev, Nov 2025), W (KO vs. Delija, Nov 2025), L (DEC vs. Pavlovich, Aug 2025), W (DEC vs. Spivac, Jun 2025), W (DEC vs. Despaigne, 2024). Form shows improved finishing power after early UFC decisions.

Derrick Lewis: 3-1 in last four: W (KO R1 vs. Teixeira, Jul 2025), W (KO R3 vs. Nascimento, May 2024), L (DEC vs. Almeida, Nov 2023), W (KO R1 vs. de Lima, Jul 2023). Lewis has finished 3 of his last 4 wins by KO, but his losses often come via decision against grapplers.

Series History

This is the first meeting between Cortes-Acosta and Lewis—no prior head-to-head history. Both fighters have faced common opponents like Serghei Spivac (Cortes-Acosta W DEC; Lewis L DEC) and Robelis Despaigne (Cortes-Acosta W DEC; Lewis has not fought him), but no direct comparisons. Lewis holds the edge in UFC experience (30 fights vs. Cortes-Acosta’s 11).

FIGHT ODDS

Waldo Cortes-Acosta     – 350

Derrick Lewis                     + 285

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026