Watch UFC 324: Makhachev vs Oliveira 3 — Prelims Free.

What's at Stake

The UFC 324 preliminary card serves as a high-stakes battleground for rising contenders looking to break into the top five of their respective divisions. With the main card headlined by a historic trilogy, these bouts offer athletes the chance to secure performance bonuses and position themselves for title eliminators in the second half of 2026. For many on the fringe of the rankings, a dominant victory here is essential to maintaining momentum in an increasingly crowded global landscape.

Head-to-Head

The preliminary matchups feature a blend of experienced veterans and undefeated prospects who have been trading wins across recent Fight Night events. While several fighters are looking to avenge narrow split-decision losses from the previous calendar year, others enter the octagon on multi-fight finishing streaks. The momentum favors the younger strikers in these pairings, though the veteran presence on the card has historically proven difficult to overcome in high-pressure numbered events.

Key Players to Watch

• Jack Della Maddalena — A clinical striker whose boxing-heavy approach makes him a constant threat for a first-round knockout.
• Tatiana Suarez — An elite wrestler returning to solidify her status as the most dangerous grappler in the women's divisions.
• Muhammad Mokaev — A fast-paced submission specialist who continues to climb the flyweight rankings with relentless pace and takedowns.

Prediction

Expect a night defined by technical grappling and late-round finishes as fighters push for a spot on the main stage. The most likely outcome is a series of competitive decision wins for the favorites, though the flyweight and bantamweight bouts are primed for spectacular submissions. Ultimately, the superior wrestling pedigree of the top-ranked prospects should allow them to control the tempo and secure pivotal victories.