How well do you remember MMA in 2024?

It was an incident that neither Thomas Frank nor Fabian Hurzeler could agree on – whether Brighton forward Joao Pedro should have been sent off for violent conduct.

As it ended 0-0 on a cold and misty night at the Amex Stadium, the main talking point was a 75th-minute flashpoint that began in bizarre fashion and almost ended up getting nasty.

Pedro was originally the victim.

Brentford’s Yehor Yarmoliuk had been pulling at the striker’s shirt, as the Brighton man looked to race at the away goal, with the Ukrainian getting a yellow card.

But Pedro then swung an elbow, although he clearly missed the visiting player. On-pitch official Andy Madley took no action and the incident was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR), but there was no suggestion for Madley to review the incident.

Boxer Paul Bamba has died aged 35, his manager Ne-Yo has announced.

Puerto Rican Bamba won the WBA Gold Cruiserweight title by defeating Mexican Rogelio Medina on 21 December.

Singer Ne-Yo, who signed Bamba to his management company in November, confirmed the news in a joint-statement alongside Bamba’s family on Instagram.

“It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of beloved son, brother, friend and boxing champion Paul Bamba, whose light and love touched countless lives,” the statement read.

“He was a fierce yet confident competitor with an unrelenting ambition to achieve greatness.

“But more than anything, he was a tremendous individual that inspired many with his exceptional drive and determination.

“We are heartbroken by his passing and kindly ask for privacy and understanding during this difficult time as we collectively navigate our grief.”

Bamba won each of his 14 fights in 2024 by knockout, culminating in his world title win against Medina in New Jersey.

Following that win last week Bamba posted on his Instagram: “This year I set out with a goal. I did just that. Wasn’t easy, there were many obstacles that I adapted to overcome and kept on the path we set regardless of extenuating circumstances.

He added: “If you’ve got what some might call an outlandish goal, go chase it. Anyone who thinks that isn’t as brave as you, prove people wrong.”

In all Bamba recorded 19 wins in 22 career bouts and earned 18 of those victories by knockout.

Jake Paul, who Bamba had called out for a future fight, posted on X: “RIP Paul Bamba.”