Watch UFC 324: Edwards vs. Makhachev — Prelims Free.

What's at Stake

The UFC 324 preliminary card serves as a high-stakes proving ground for athletes on the cusp of the global rankings. With the welterweight and lightweight divisions in a state of flux, these bouts offer rising contenders the chance to secure a number beside their name and veteran gatekeepers a final opportunity to defend their territory against the next generation of talent.

Head-to-Head

The featured preliminary matchups highlight a clash of styles, pitting decorated collegiate wrestlers against high-volume kickboxers. Most athletes on this portion of the card enter the Octagon with significant momentum, having won at least three of their last five professional outings. This set of bouts is designed to filter the elite prospects from the pack, as several competitors are making their third appearance within the calendar year to climb the promotional ladder.

Key Players to Watch

• Bo Nickal — The standout wrestler looks to showcase his evolving striking game against his most experienced opponent to date.
• Manon Fiorot — A technical powerhouse aiming to cement her status as the definitive number-one contender in the flyweight division.
• Jack Della Maddalena — The heavy-handed Australian seeks another highlight-reel finish to break into the divisional top five.

Prediction

Expect a night dominated by technical specialists, with the more experienced grapplers likely to dictate the pace of the early bouts. The most probable outcome for the featured prelim is a competitive decision victory for the more versatile striker who can successfully navigate defensive wrestling transitions. Overall, the card favors the younger favorites who have shown rapid improvement in their defensive grappling over their recent camps.