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Outrage Strikes UFC 324 After Referee Misses Huge Calls

Originally posted on Dice City Sports
By Jesse VanDerveer | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 10:38 AM ET

UFC 324 was headlined by Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Many fans expected an easy Pimblett win, but the fight turned into an absolute brawl. Gaethje also faced major backlash over what some viewers believed were missed calls on illegal moves.

The missed calls were blatant eye pokes that could have shifted the momentum of the fight. In the UFC, eye pokes are illegal and extremely dangerous because they can immediately affect a fighter’s vision and coordination. They can also cause long-term damage, including corneal injuries that may lead to lasting vision problems. Two eye pokes occurred during the fight, but only one was officially called by the referee. The other was discussed by the commentators immediately after it happened.

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Both eye pokes left Pimblett in visible discomfort and distress, and each sequence was followed by a clean punch to the face from Gaethje. Those moments, and the way the action flowed out of them, fueled controversy after Gaethje won on the judges’ scorecards. If the fouls had been called in real time, it is impossible to know whether the outcome would have been different.

With the main card leaving such a negative impression, fans around the world are hoping the UFC implements stricter enforcement. Still, aside from the referee controversy, UFC 324 delivered and surprised most fans with the outcomes of several fights.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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