The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) showcased yet another electrifying evening of fights on October 21, 2024, with UFC Fight Night 244 taking place at the renowned UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This event not only thrilled fans but also marked pivotal moments in the careers of several fighters. The night’s main event featured a high-stakes clash in the flyweight division, where Brandon Royval faced off against Tatsuro Taira in a contest that drew attention for its intensity and competitiveness.
Brandon Royval (17-7 MMA, 7-3 UFC) ultimately outlasted Tatsuro Taira (16-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) in a closely contested battle that went the distance, resulting in a split decision victory for Royval. This fight proved to be particularly significant as it not only ended Taira’s undefeated streak but also displayed the resilience and determination of both fighters. For 25 grueling minutes, they exchanged blows and showcased their grappling skills, underlining the depth of talent that characterizes the UFC’s flyweight division.
The victory for Royval is a testament to his growth and consistent performance, marking his second win in a main event setting. He has now tied for fourth place in the history of the UFC flyweight division for most fight-night bonuses, sharing this honor with notable fighters like Demetrious Johnson and Brandon Moreno. This event could serve as a springboard for Royval’s pursuit of title contention, further establishing him as a formidable contender in his weight class.
In terms of event statistics, UFC Fight Night 244 demonstrated a robust engagement, with total fight time clocking in at an impressive 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 5 seconds across the 12-bout card. Notably, the event’s promotional compliance payout reached $186,000, an encouraging figure that highlights the ongoing viability of UFC events, even in a competitive sports landscape.
Across the card, betting favorites fared well, winning 10 fights while only two underdogs emerged victorious. Notably, Brad Tavares found himself on the wrong side of the results yet again, suffering his fourth loss in five fights, showcasing the trials faced by even the most seasoned fighters in the cage. It’s also worth noting that Tavares has now accrued the most fight time in the history of the UFC middleweight division—a testament to his experience but also a marker of the challenges he has consistently faced throughout his career.
Several fighters experienced significant career milestones during this event. Chidi Njokuani improved his standing in the welterweight division, marking his second consecutive win since making the shift down to this weight class in March 2024. Conversely, Jared Gooden suffered yet another tough loss, continuing a troubling trend in his UFC tenure where decision defeats have become a recurring theme.
One of the most eye-catching moments came when Grant Dawson achieved a hard-fought victory against Rafa Garcia, earning a stoppage and becoming one of the dominant forces in the lightweight division. Dawson’s knack for finishing fights is evident, with 18 of his 22 career victories coming by way of stoppage, establishing him as a high-risk, high-reward fighter who could potentially move up in contention rankings if he maintains this trajectory.
Meanwhile, notable newcomers and emerging talents also made their mark at UFC Fight Night 244. Clayton Carpenter, undefeated at 8-0 overall, notched his second submission victory in the UFC, while Lucas Rocha faced a tough entrance into the promotion, marking the first defeat of his career via submission. These outcomes serve as a reminder of the excitement and unpredictability that permeates the world of mixed martial arts.
Overall, UFC Fight Night 244 was a night of memorable performances, unexpected outcomes, and significant strides for several fighters within the promotion. With rising stars solidifying their positions and veterans navigating the ongoing challenges of competition, this event added yet another chapter to the dynamic narrative of the UFC. As the organization continues to schedule invigorating matchups, fans can look forward to future events that promise to deliver both high-level competition and captivating storylines, keeping the spirit of the sport alive and thriving.