Paddy Pimblett has vowed to return stronger after suffering his first defeat in the UFC, losing a gruelling decision to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. The Liverpudlian was dropped twice in the opening rounds but rallied in the third, wobbling Gaethje with clean shots. Despite a strong finish, he lost on points, with Gaethje becoming the first two-time interim champion.
Speaking to Joe Rogan after the fight, Pimblett said: 'You live and you learn; I'm 31, I will be back better. You haven't seen the last of me.' He praised Gaethje as a legend and dedicated the performance to close friends who died by suicide, urging support for men's mental health. He also paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, who died in a car crash.
Gaethje marvelled at Pimblett's durability, stating: 'Scousers cannot get knocked out! What a f***ing gangster.' He credited his coach for the strategy of moving forward. The main card also saw Sean O'Malley outpoint Song Yadong, Waldo Cortes-Acosta knock out Derrick Lewis, and Arnold Allen lose a close decision to Jean Silva.
