For weeks, UFC 324 was hyped as Paramount’s big swing—the first true pay-per-view event of the new streaming deal, and the card meant to usher in a new era. Two title fights, six past champions, and the long-anticipated return of Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison. It should have been difficult to mess up. But when Ilia Topuria pulled out of his title defense, everything began to collapse.

Rather than creating buzz, the announcement by Dana White sparked outrage. Fans did not see a historic new era; instead, they saw Dana White attempting to sell a pay-per-view without a centerpiece. And that frustration swiftly turned into something louder, sharper, and far more united than anyone at the UFC had anticipated.

Fans unleash brutal criticism at Dana White’s UFC 324 card

Once the word got out, fans wasted little time burying the event. “UFC 324 and UFC 325 are complete jokes and an embarrassment to the sport,” one person remarked, while another put it more bluntly: “UFC 324 is an embarrassment & the sport is dead.” The optimism for the Paramount debut lasted approximately ten seconds, long enough for the internet to notice that the main event was something they didn’t care about.

The avalanche did not end with the event itself. It turned directly to the head honcho of the promotion. “Dana White could have done better than this for UFC 324!” a fan wrote, while another said, “These announcements have overly pissed me off. NUKE DANA WHITE NOW!”

The outrage only grew further: “Dana White continues to ruin this sport. I f—— cannot believe how the sport is in such a dogs— position,” and the final, cold verdict: “I’m not watching Dana White. Ever.” However, the most explosive emotions were kept for the main event.

Instead of a fight between the champion and the number one contender, fans will get to see Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight belt, and the internet did not hold back. “Should have been Arman vs. Paddy, bruh,” one user claimed, while another dubbed the choice “dumba–… unbelievable. Arman robbed.”

Others mocked it outright, writing “Gaethje vs. Paddy is a joke 🤣” and “Dana White Privilege.” The accusation? Gaethje promised to retire unless the UFC gave him gold, and it seems they’ve surely caved now. So, was there another fight or fighter that could’ve left fans impressed? Well, there is one, but it seems like he’ll have to wait for yet another UFC fight card before getting a shot at the promotion.

In-demand fighter misses yet another UFC card

When the UFC 324 matchups were revealed, fans immediately noticed one name that was still missing: Justin Burlinson. After everything he did during UFC Qatar fight week to force the opportunity—showing up alone, cutting weight on his own, and remaining ready in case anyone dropped out—his omission from the roster felt extra bitter. While others stepped into secure spots, he was once again on the outside looking in.

Burlinson’s efforts became one of the most unexpected tales of the week. Instead of waiting for a last-minute call, he flew to Qatar himself, made weight, and recorded the entire attempt in the hopes that the UFC would take note. It was a long, deliberate shot. Unfortunately, with every fighter nailing their weight targets, there was simply no room for him to slip into.

The disappointment is heavier when you consider what he’s already fought through: testicular cancer, a major knee injury, and rebuilding from a Contender Series loss. That’s why his admission hits harder than most behind-the-scenes accounts. He said, “I’ve spent my last three months’ rent on this trip… it’s either get a contract or be homeless”. And while he did not receive the call for UFC 324, the way he campaigned for it ensures that the talk around him will not fade away anytime soon.