UFC 324 Bonuses: A Night of Triumphs, Controversies, and Cringe-Worthy Moments
January 25, 2026, 1:22 a.m. ET
The UFC’s latest event in Las Vegas delivered a mix of jaw-dropping performances, heated debates, and moments that left fans scratching their heads. With four bonuses handed out—including two to the headliners—UFC 324 was a night that had it all. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some fighters earned their rewards through sheer skill, others left us questioning the line between entertainment and poor taste. Let’s dive into the highlights—and lowlights—of the evening.
Performance of the Night ($100,000): Ty Miller
Kicking off the UFC’s Paramount+ era, Ty Miller (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) made a statement in his promotional debut. With just one second left in the first round, Miller landed a devastating right hand on Adam Fugitt (10-6 MMA, 2-4 UFC), securing a stoppage that left the crowd in awe. This wasn’t just a win—it was a declaration of intent from a fighter who’s clearly here to stay.
Performance of the Night ($100,000): Josh Hokit
Josh Hokit (8-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) secured a first-round TKO over Denzel Freeman (7-2 MMA, 1-1 UFC), but the victory was overshadowed by his post-fight antics. In a move that felt more WWE than UFC, Hokit attempted to go viral by mimicking outdated wrestling schtick and making tone-deaf comments about Brittney Griner. While the UFC rewarded him financially, many fans were left cringing at his lack of originality and poor judgment. And this is the part most people miss: does the UFC’s embrace of such behavior signal a shift toward prioritizing entertainment over sportsmanship? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Fight of the Night ($100,000 each): Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett
In a 25-minute war that lived up to its billing, Justin Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) edged out Paddy Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) to claim the interim lightweight championship. Gaethje’s victory not only earned him his second UFC interim belt but also set the stage for a future showdown with champ Ilia Topuria, who’s been making headlines for reasons both in and out of the octagon. With this win, Gaethje tied Dustin Poirier and Edson Barboza for the most Fight of the Night bonuses in UFC history (10). But here’s a thought: as Gaethje continues to dominate, is he becoming the most underrated fighter in UFC history?
Finish Bonus ($25,000): Nikita Krylov
Nikita Krylov (30-11 MMA, 12-9 UFC) turned a lackluster light heavyweight bout against Modestas Bukauskas (19-7 MMA, 7-5 UFC) into a highlight-reel moment by securing a finish with just 3 seconds left on the clock. It was a reminder that in MMA, anything can change in an instant.
Finish Bonus ($25,000): Waldo Cortes-Acosta
Waldo Cortes-Acosta (17-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) delivered a second-round TKO over former heavyweight title challenger Derrick Lewis (29-13 MMA, 20-11 UFC), but the finish was marred by a bizarre sequence. Lewis appeared to slip just as he was caught on the chin, leading to a ground-and-pound finish that left fans debating whether the outcome was more luck than skill. Was this a legitimate victory, or did Lewis simply have an off night? Share your thoughts below.
UFC 324 was a night of highs and lows, triumphs and controversies. From Miller’s explosive debut to Hokit’s cringe-worthy antics, it’s clear that the UFC continues to be a platform where athletes push boundaries—for better or worse. What did you think of the event? Did the bonuses go to the right fighters, or were there snubs? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!
