The thrilling UFC 312 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas was nothing short of spectacular, drawing an enthusiastic crowd of over 18,000 fans and racking up an impressive gate revenue of $1.2 million. With its electrifying matchups, this event has undoubtedly carved its place in UFC history.
Aljamain Sterling's Dominance in the Main Event
The main event featured a much-anticipated showdown between Aljamain Sterling and Sean O'Malley. Sterling, in a stunning display of skill, retained his UFC Bantamweight Championship by defeating O'Malley with a TKO. The match, which ended in the second round at 3:11, showcased Sterling's superior tactics and relentless energy. Following the fight, O'Malley was medically evaluated as a precautionary measure, highlighting the intense nature of their clash.
Fiery Fights and Stellar Performances
Among the card's highlights was the all-out battle between Justin Gaethje and Brian Ortega. This bout, captivating from start to finish, earned the prestigious Fight of the Night honors. Gaethje emerged victorious through unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28), thanks to his striking prowess and determination. Commentators and analysts couldn't help but applaud Gaethje's toughness and Ortega's improved striking abilities.
In another dramatic contest, Jack Hermansson wowed the audience with a masterful guillotine choke submission against Paul Craig in the first round, clocking in at just three minutes and five seconds. This remarkable performance earned Hermansson a Performance of the Night bonus, marking a pinnacle moment of his fighting career.
The bonuses were generous in this thrilling event, with both Gaethje and Ortega bagging $50,000 each for Fight of the Night. Likewise, Hermansson's and Sterling's commanding victories were also rewarded with $50,000 Performance bonuses, underscoring the high stakes of their achievements.
While Sterling had his sights set on possible future opponents, calling out Merab Dvalishvili for his next title fight, O'Malley hinted at his eagerness for a rematch, adding more excitement to the rumors surrounding upcoming fights. UFC 312 truly left fans buzzing and speculating about what's next for their favorite fighters.