LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Max Holloway reacts to the knockout of Justin Gaethje in the BMF ... [+] championship fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesThe UFC produced 42 events across 21 different cities spanning nine different countries in 2024. Its still amazing to see how big the promotion has grown since its inception.The year was packed with epic moments, and many of them were captured by world-class photographers. Here are the year-defining pics from the UFC in 2024.JanuaryDricus du Plessis Outduels Sean Strickland - UFC 297 in TorontoTORONTO, ON - JANUARY 20: Sean Strickland of the United States fights against Dricus Du Plessis of ... [+] South Africa in a middleweight title bout during the UFC 297 event at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThis image looks like an A.I. rendering since most of those apps dont know how to make natural-looking imagery of MMA yet. However, this one is real. DDP and Strickland engaged in a tactical battle to headline the first pay-per-view of the year, with DDP capturing the title.Some, including UFC President Dana White, felt Strickland did enough to win, but the split decision went DDPs way.MORE FOR YOUAmanda Nunes Watches Raquel Pennington and Mayra Bueno-Silva Fight for the Title She VacatedTORONTO, ON - JANUARY 20: Retired UFC fighter Amanda Nunes looks on during a bantamweight title ... [+] bout between Raquel Pennington of the United States and Mayra Bueno Silva of Brazil during the UFC 297 event at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)Getty ImagesIm not sure what Nunes was thinking in this photo as she watched Pennington and Silva put on one of the worst performances in a championship fight in UFC history, but the look on her face mirrors the expression on most MMA fans' faces during this disaster.Pennington won the title, but we all immediately missed Nunes when we realized what she left us in the UFC womens bantamweight division.FebruaryIlia Topuria Has Arrived - UFC 298 in AnaheimANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 17: Ilia Topuria of Germany celebrates after his knockout victory ... [+] against Alexander Volkanovski of Australia in the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 298 event at Honda Center on February 17, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesWe couldnt believe it either, Ilia.Topuria has proven to be one of the best fighters in the world, but Alexander Volkanovski had become one of those athletes it was almost impossible to picture defeatedlet alone knocked out.Wed now seen it twice in a row because Volk was coming off the head-kick KO loss to Islam Makhachev four months before. Two months into 2024, we had already seen three new champions crowned.UFC 298 is one of the low-key best fight cards of the year.Thirteen of the 24 fighters on that card are currently ranked. Four of the 11 that arent (Oban Elliott, Zhang Mingyang, Rinya Nakamura and Danny Barlow) are among the fastest-rising fighters in their respective weight classes.MarchSugas Revenge - UFC 299 in MiamiMIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: (L-R) Sean O'Malley knees Marlon Vera of Ecuador in the UFC bantamweight ... [+] championship fight during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesI dont think anyone is sure how this knee to Marlon Veras face didnt end the fight, but it didnt. In any case, OMalley avenged what was his only loss at the time with a unanimous decision win.However, it should be noted Vera landed a body shot on OMalley in the fifth round that could have changed the fight if it had happened a roundor even a minuteearlier. Still, OMalley got his revenge in Miami.The Diamond Shines - UFC 299 in MiamiMIAMI, FLORIDA - MARCH 09: (L-R) Dustin Poirier punches Benoit Saint Denis of France in a ... [+] lightweight fight during the UFC 299 event at Kaseya Center on March 09, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesFew moments are more memorable than when a legend shows they still have a lot left in the tank. Poirier had lost by vicious head kick in July 2023 to Justin Gaethje. With many wondering if he was still among the elite, Poirier took on the next big thing in the division and proved he was still pretty big himself.Poiriers KO of Benoit Saint-Denis may not be a fraud check, but it was definitely a moment when we were reminded, there are levels to this game.AprilAlex Pereira: Any More Questions? - UFC 300 in Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Alex Pereira of Brazil reacts to his knockout of Jamahal Hill in the ... [+] UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 300 event at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesUFC 300 was a vibe.In the main event, Pereira shook off a cup shot and promptly knocked Jamahal Hill senseless with his signature left hook. Pereira immediately channeled his inner Khaby Lame with one of the most awesomely disrespectful yet subtly cool post-fight celebrations youll ever see.As crazy as this moment was in the main event, it wasnt even the most memorable moment of the night.Max Holloway Made Me Care - UFC 300 in Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 13: Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway exchange strikes during their BMF ... [+] title fight at T-Mobile Arena on April 13, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Getty ImagesCan I be honest?I never cared about the BMF title before Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje in the most epic finish in combat sports history. From pointing to the ground, to delivering a finish that would be tough to copy in EA UFC 5, Holloway didnt just steal the show at UFC 300; he stole the combat sports show for the yearand he did it in April.MayErceg Might Have Given it Away - UFC 301 in Rio de JanieroRIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MAY 04: Steve Erceg of Australia reacts after his loss against Alexandre ... [+] Pantoja of Brazil in a UFC flyweight championship bout during the UFC 301 event at Farmasi Arena on May 04, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Loureiro/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesDont get it twisted.UFC 301 was probably the worst UFC pay-per-view card of 2024at least on paper. The main event featured UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja defending his title against No. 10-ranked Steve Erceg.Its odd to see a contender ranked so low get a title shot, but Pantoja has nearly cleaned out his division. That dynamic creates unique title-challenge situations.No matter how rare the situation, Erceg fought a nearly perfect fight and was in position to upset and dethrone Pantoja heading into the fifth round. Erceg had outboxed Pantoja and dealt with the champions grappling attempts.In the fifth, Erceg allowed himself into a grappling situation that he could have avoided. He lost the fifth round, which turned out to be the deciding frame on two of the three judges scorecards. Had he won the fifth round, Erceg would have beaten Pantoja by split decision and claimed the title.The image above is from Ercegs post-fight interview, taken moments after he admitted he knows he blew the last round.JuneNew Gloves Would Become the Old GlovesLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - APRIL 12: A view of the new official UFC fight gloves, announced after the UFC ... [+] 300 official weigh-in at UFC APEX on April 12, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesThe UFC made a major production of their switch to new branded gloves that were supposed to reduce eye pokes. They were also branded to fit the various UFC programs.Welp, that lasted less than six months as the gloves were scrapped in November, just ahead of UFC 309. Dana White announced during a November press conference, The new gloves are now the old gloves.Makhachev is Really Good At Fighting - UFC 302 in NewarkNEWARK, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 01: (R-L) Dustin Poirier and Islam Makhachev of Russia grapple in their ... [+] lightweight title bout during UFC 302 at Prudential Center on June 01, 2024 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)Getty ImagesSome fans will remember the DArce choke Makhachev used to submit Poirier in the main event. Ill remember the unbelievable leg whip he used to secure the takedown that set up the DArce.Ive been covering MMA for 17 years and have watched it for more than 30, and I cannot recall seeing someone use this technique to set up a takedown. Poirier told Makhachev the same thing when they spoke backstage.Makhachev is different.Conor McGregor Leaves Michael Chandler Holding the Bag - UFC 303 in Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 23: Conor McGregor wears Mando Gutierrez's hat during the filming of ... [+] The Ultimate Fighter at UFC APEX on February 23, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesMcGregor was supposed to fight Chandler in the main event of UFC 303 for International Fight Week, but a toe injury kept the former out. Chandler had been waiting for nearly two years to fight McGregor, but it began to look like a fight that would never happen.Perhaps Chandler shouldve known not to take McGregor seriously the moment he wore this hat (which belonged to contestant Mando Gutierrez) on the set of The Ultimate Fighter.Pereira To the Rescue - UFC 303 in Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JUNE 29: (R-L) Alex Pereira of Brazil kicks Jiri Prochazka of the Czech Republic ... [+] in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 303 event at T-Mobile Arena on June 29, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesNo Conor, no problem. Pereira continued to grow his status as one of the greatest stars in MMA as he stepped in to main event UFC 303 in McGregors absence.Pereira destroyed former champion Jiri Prochazka with a left head-kick. To make things more awesome, Pereira told his coach he was going to knock Prochazka out with this kick before the round started.JulyBelal Behind Enemy Lines - UFC 304 in LondonMANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 28: Belal Muhammad reacts after his victory against Leon Edwards of ... [+] Jamaica at Co-op Live on July 28, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)Getty ImagesBelal Muhammad waited years for another shot at Leon Edwards. After their first fight ended in a no contest because of an eye poke, Muhammad got his opportunity and made the most of it.He dethroned Edwards in the champions home country. A mauling style complemented by much-improved boxing pushed Muhammad to the unanimous decision victory.Edwards had an excellent fifth round, but this time, his late push came too late.Tom Aspinall Calls Jon Jones Out - UFC 304 in LondonMANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Tom Aspinall of England reacts after his knockout victory against ... [+] Curtis Blaydes in the interim UFC heavyweight championship bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesAspinall calling out Jones became one of the biggest storylines of the second half of the year. The callout gained steam when Aspinall defeated Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, avenging the only loss of his career.Little did we know how constant this story would become throughout the year.AugustDDP Beats Izzy in Grudge Match, and They Squash the Beef - UFC 305 in PerthPERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 18: (R-L) Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa and Israel Adesanya of Nigeria ... [+] talk after their UFC middleweight championship fight during the UFC 305 event at RAC Arena on August 18, 2024 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCMany feuds in combat sports are relatively harmless and can be chalked up to competitive hype. The one between Adesanya and Du Plessis, however, had a strong racial undertone that made it uncomfortable.When the two finally met in the Octagon in the main event of UFC 305 in Perth, DDP won via submissiona tough moment for hardcore Adesanya fans. However, the best part of the night was seeing the two men show respect to each other after the fight, burying a pretty nasty hatchet.SeptemberUFC Pulls Out All the Stops for the Sphere - Noche UFC 306 - Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: An Octagon Girl looks on prior to a fight between Sean OMalley of ... [+] the United States and Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia for the bantamweight title during UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThis image captures one of the Octagon girls dressed in an outfit honoring Mexican culture. The entire event was staged to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, and the show was an absolute spectacle for everyone present at The Sphere.Merab is Overjoyed - Noche UFC 306 - Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Merab Dvalishvili of Georgia reacts after his victory against Sean ... [+] O'Malley in the UFC bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCIts great to see this level of elation after an achievement as difficult as becoming world champion. Merab Dvalishvili rode his dominant wrestling and relentless pace to defeat OMalley and claim the bantamweight title.Fight of the Year - Noche UFC 306 - Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 14: Esteban Ribovics of Argentina reacts to the decision over Daniel ... [+] Zellhuber of Mexico in a lightweight fight during the UFC 306 at Riyadh Season Noche UFC event at Sphere on September 14, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCThere were countless great fights in 2024, but Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber is nearor atthe top of the list.While Dvalishvili-OMalley and Shevchenko-Grasso were memorable championship fights with new champions crowned in both, Ribovics and Zellhuber stole the show with a back-and-forth war fitting for the occasion and unbelievable to witness.OctoberPereira Pounds a Game Rountree - UFC 307 - Salt Lake CitySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 05: Khalil Rountree Jr. reacts after a TKO loss against Alex Pereira ... [+] of Brazil in the UFC light heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCThe number of memorable moments Pereira had in 2024 is pretty amazing. In the main event of UFC 307, Pereira stopped Khalil Rountree in the fourth round of an epic fight in Utah.Rountree dropped Pereira and was making a good account of himself before the champions onslaught, slickness and ease of attack overwhelmed the challenger. Ive never seen a more busted-up fighter look so happy.Julianna Pena Comes to Our Rescue - UFC 307 in Salt Lake CitySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 05: (R-L) Julianna Pena punches Raquel Pennington in the UFC ... [+] bantamweight championship fight during the UFC 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCRemember that issue that popped up in January and the womens bantamweight division? Well, Pena fixed it for us with a unanimous decision win over Pennington.Pena has the goods. Shes an outstanding fighter who owns a stoppage win over Nunes. Pena is now a two-time champion, only her and Nunes have ever accomplished that feat, and she knows how to market herself and her fights.She also got a new dance partner at the same event.Kaylas Biggest Opponent - UFC 307 in Salt Lake CitySALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 04: Kayla Harrison poses on the scale during the UFC 307 official ... [+] weigh-in at the Hilton Salt Lake City Center on October 04, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCKayla Harrison is that dance partner for Pena. Shes a dynamic fighter who is one of the UFCs best recent free-agent signings.Unfortunately, the UFC doesnt have a featherweight division, so Harrison has to tax herself to make 135 to compete in the No. 1 promotion in the world. This image is important because at this point, the scale may be Harrisons toughest opponent in the UFC.Unless, Nunes comes back as she has been teasing over the past few months. Harrison defeated Ketlen Vieira by unanimous decision at UFC 307.Double What? - UFC 308 in UAEABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: (L-R) Shara Magomedov of Russia lands a spinning back ... [+] fist against Armen Petrosyan of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCA double spinning backfist is crazy.Its like a combo you learn with Ryu in Street Fighter. Shara Magomedov landed it and finished Armen Petrosyan with it at UFC 308.The buzz around Shara Bullet was building, but this finish took it to another level.Khamzat Chimaev Did What to Robert Whittaker? - UFC 308 in UAEABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: (L-R) Khamzat Chimaev of Russia secures a submission ... [+] against \rw in a middleweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCIts rare to see Whittaker dominated, but we have never seen anyone literally run across the Octagon, tackle him, take his back and then submit him with a hellacious rear-naked choke.Chimaev didnt just submit Whittaker, he collapsed his lower-level teeth in the process. All things considered, this was the best submission of the year.Ilia is For Real - UFC 308 at UAEABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Ilia Topuria of Spain reacts after a knockout victory ... [+] against Max Holloway in the UFC featherweight championship fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCWed never seen Holloway knocked out before UFC 308. Topuria made his final push for Fighter of the Year with his historic finish of the former featherweight king.Pereira is still my choice for FOTY, but Topuria is a very close second and his memorable finish is a big reason.NovemberJones Retires Miocic, Aspinall is Watching - UFC 309 in New YorkNEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Jon Jones of the United States of America kicks Stipe Miocic ... [+] of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCThe G.O.A.T Jon Jones smashed Stipe Miocic into retirement in the UFC 309 main event at Madison Square Garden. Most expected Jones to win, though the spinning back kick he landed was a reminder of how good the heavyweight champion is at his craft.Aspinall was in the audience, watching and waiting for his opportunity.Chandlers Moment - UFC 309 in New YorkNEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Michael Chandler of the United States of America and Charles ... [+] Oliveira of Brazil fight in a lightweight fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCChandler didnt win much in 2024. He missed out on a fight with McGregor and fought Oliveira at UFC 309, losing again. However, he did have a truly cinematic moment in the final round.With Oliveira on his back chasing a submission, Chandler repeatedly slammed the Brazilian to the canvas while the MSG crowd erupted.It was like a scripted WWE moment designed to put the loser over.DecemberNot on My Watch - UFC 310 in Las VegasLAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: (R-L) Alexandre Pantoja of Brazil submits Kai Asakura of Japan in ... [+] the UFC flyweight championship bout during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCPantoja heard all about Kai Asakuras action-packed style and dangerous knees, but the proud Brazilian champion wasnt about to let Asakura come from Rizin, unranked, and take his belt in his promotional debut.The fight was the main event of UFC 310, originally the co-main before Belal Muhammads injury pushed it up.Pantoja exposed Asakuras biggest weakness and showed why he remains one of the most underrated champions in the UFC.Whose ready for 2025?