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Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett came up just short in his pursuit of UFC gold after enduring a brutal five-round battle with Justin Gaethje, who claimed the interim lightweight title via unanimous decision at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Already regarded as one of the most thrilling fighters of his generation, Gaethje further cemented his legacy on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena. The 37-year-old delivered a vintage performance, knocking Pimblett down multiple times across several rounds and dictating the tempo of an action-packed main event. Judges scored the contest 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 in Gaethje’s favour.
Pimblett, 31, lived up to his reputation for toughness, absorbing heavy punishment while continuing to press forward until the final bell. Both fighters raised their arms when the fight ended, but the scorecards confirmed Gaethje’s control across the championship rounds.
“That Scouser does not get knocked out,” Gaethje said afterward, referencing Pimblett’s long-held claim about his resilience. “This is a crazy sport, an amazing life, and I’m grateful to be able to share moments like this.”
The win marked Gaethje’s second reign as interim lightweight champion, having previously captured the belt in 2020 with his stoppage victory over Tony Ferguson. With the title secured once again, he is now in line to face undisputed champion Ilia Topuria when the latter returns from a personal hiatus.
For Pimblett, the defeat ended an eight-fight unbeaten run in the UFC since joining the promotion in 2021 and represented the first loss of his UFC career. Despite entering the bout as the favourite, he was ultimately unable to fully withstand Gaethje’s relentless pressure and experience.
“I wanted to be walking away with that belt,” Pimblett said after the fight. “I know how tough I am. You live and you learn — I’ll come back better.”
Even in defeat, Pimblett used the post-fight moment to speak on issues bigger than the sport, once again encouraging men to speak openly about their struggles and prioritise their mental wellbeing — a message that continues to define his influence beyond the Octagon.
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