UFC 324: Justin Gaethje beats Paddy Pimblett on points in Las Vegas firefight
WARNING: This report contains references to suicide.
Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett suffered heartbreak against Justin Gaethje in his quest to claim a UFC interim title as he lost on points to the American in Las Vegas.
Pimblett, 31, was as brave as he was bloodied through five action-packed rounds that left both men swinging at the final bell.
Gaethje rolled back the years for a vintage performance, forcing Pimblett to raise his game to a new level and fight fire with fire.
Both men raised their arms at the end, but the judges rightly gave 37-year-old Gaethje the victory on all three scorecards.
“Paddy is right; Scousers do not get knocked out,” Gaethje said.
“My coach was definitely upset at me after the first round, but I just love this so much, it’s really hard to control myself sometimes.
“I knew I had to put him on his back foot, he is very dangerous and has great timing. I had to steal his momentum and confidence.”
With victory, Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title for the second time and will now face absent champion Ilia Topuria once he returns from a personal hiatus.
Pimblett applauded Gaethje as the scorecards were read out, taking the fourth loss of his career with grace.
The Briton was the favourite going into the contest and showed incredible resilience and heart, but could not control the storm of Gaethje overall.
“I wanted to be walking away with that belt. I know how tough I am and I don’t need to prove that to anyone,” Pimblett said.
“I think 48-47 was a fair scorecard. I won’t lie, he hit me with a body shot in the first round and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up to that point.
“You live and you learn; I’m 31, I will be back better.”
Pimblett also used his post-fight interview to shine a light on mental health issues as he has done before in his career.
“In a few of my post-fight interviews before, I’ve mentioned men killing themselves; two lads who I know have killed themselves over the last few months,” Pimblett said.
“Men, speak up, don’t bottle your feelings up.”
