
Dec 25, 2024, 03:43 PM IST
All images: UFC
UFC 2024 has been a year of legendary moments—from last-round knockouts in many title fights to thrilling decision victories that changed the course of a fight. India made history this year as Puja Tomar became the first-ever Indian to win a UFC fight. Here’s a look at the biggest highlights from UFC 2024:
Often fighters who become champions in combat sports tend to take it slow, defending their titles not very actively. But that’s not the case with Alex Pereira. The Brazilian kickboxing prodigy and former UFC Middleweight champion defended his Light Heavyweight Title thrice this year against Jamahal Hill (US), Jiri Prochazka (Czech), and Khalil Rountree (US). In his third title defence against Rountree, Pereira was sick and injured but still managed to win.
Jon Jones is one of the GOATs of MMA. The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion became the Heavyweight champion last year but could only defend the title recently. Jones retained the Heavyweight title with a technical knockout over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November.
Puja Tomar, a resident of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, became the first Indian MMA fighter to secure a victory in the UFC. She defeated Rayanne Dos Santos of Brazil by a split decision of 30-27, 27-30, and 29-28 in the women’s strawweight division at UFC Louisville 2024 in June.
Max Holloway (US) defeated Justin Gaethje (US) to win the BMF belt. The fight between the two Americans was of the highest quality, with Holloway knocking out Gaethje with just one second to spare in the fifth and final round.