There was but a single newcomer in action on Saturday’s UFC 324 card, which kicked off both a new year for the UFC, and its broadcast deal with Paramount+.
That was Ty Miller, an undefeated Contender Series welterweight booked against Adam Fuggit to open up the Las Vegas card. With the edge in experience, Fugitt was hoping to shake off a loss against Islam Dulatov.
Miller opened the fight with a snappy jab and straight right, quickly establishing his timing on Fugitt. Fugitt had some success landing body kicks, but many of them were met with clean counters. Miller stayed busy behind his jab and straight punches, repeatedly clipping Fugitt at the end of his range. The right hand was money all round, and Fugitt absorbed shot after shot on the chin.
As the round wound down, Miller dropped Fugitt with a crisp straight right. He swarmed for the finish, and when Fugitt got back to his feet, he walked into a clean check right, followed by a knee, forcing the referee to step in with just one second left in the round.
Following the fight, Ty Miller admitted Fugitt had left him spinning care of a back elbow, but ultimately, he persevered. He also becomes the first fighter in UFC history to earn a $25,000 finish bonus, a newly announced initiative recently announced by the promotion, and confirmed by play-by-play man Jon Anik on-air.
Official Result: Ty Miller def. Adam Fugitt by TKO (punches), Round 1, 4:59
