Liverpool's Paddy Pimblett has been called out for his pre-fight trash talk by Justin Gaethje's long-time coach, Trevor Wittman, following the British fighter's defeat at UFC 324. The event, held in Las Vegas, marked the UFC's first numbered show under a new $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount, but it was Pimblett's bold prediction that drew post-fight ire after he fell short in his bid for UFC gold.
Pre-Fight Promises Fall Flat in Sin City Showdown
In the build-up to the highly anticipated bout, Pimblett and Gaethje maintained a relatively cordial relationship, surprising many fans with their mutual respect. However, the Liverpudlian fighter stunned the MMA community by declaring that his American rival would not look the same physically after their confrontation. This comment, made in the days leading to the fight, set the stage for a dramatic clash that ultimately did not go Pimblett's way.
As advertised, the two UFC stars delivered an absolute war that had fans on their feet applauding throughout. Gaethje established his dominance early in the contest, nearly finishing the fight after dropping Pimblett twice within the first two rounds. Despite showing brief glimpses of his trademark resilience and fighting spirit, Pimblett was unable to mount a sustained comeback and ultimately lost via unanimous decision on the judges' scorecards.
Coach Wittman's Blunt Assessment of Pimblett's Comments
Following Gaethje's victory, which included inflicting significant damage on his British opponent, coach Trevor Wittman expressed his displeasure with Pimblett's pre-fight remarks. Speaking on Justin Gaethje's YouTube channel, Wittman acknowledged Pimblett's fighting qualities while delivering a pointed critique of his verbal approach before the contest.
"I've got the utmost respect for Paddy," Wittman stated. "Like I said prior to going into this, I knew he was a fighter, I knew he was growing. The most important thing he has is spirit. He got dropped probably like six times in the fight, and he kept getting up and fighting with spirit."
However, the coach's tone shifted when addressing Pimblett's pre-fight comments: "I'm always so respectful to other people, but this is why you don't f****** talk s***. That s*** bothered me very bad. You can be respectful when doing s***, there were a lot of f****** things he said. It is what it is. I don't let that get to me, but you said you were going to mangle up Justin's face, this is what happens."
Pimblett's Post-Fight Recovery and Future Ambitions
Despite the defeat and subsequent hospital visit, Pimblett demonstrated remarkable resilience by quickly returning to his feet and attending his after-party at the Zouk nightclub in Resorts World, Las Vegas. Days after the fight, the 31-year-old fighter was seen sporting noticeable black eyes, with his wife Laura sharing photographs of the couple together.
Pimblett took to social media shortly after the contest to express his determination to continue pursuing undisputed glory in the UFC. On Instagram, he posted: "Hope everyone enjoyed my fight just as much as I did. Want to thank everyone that came to support and everyone watching at home. I'm all good, no injuries, went into the fight feeling amazing had a great camp and an easy weight cut. No excuses the better man won on the night. Justin Gaethje, congratulations brother it was an honor to share the cage with such a legend. Go get that undisputed title, your career deserves it."
The Liverpool fighter added: "Hopefully we can run it back for the undisputed because I still know it's in my destiny to win that gold! UFC thank you for the opportunity. You's all know I'll be back for that belt in the near future."
Upcoming UFC Event Details
Attention now turns to the next major UFC event, where Alexander Volkanovski will defend his featherweight championship against Diego Lopes. The bout is scheduled for Saturday 31 January at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena in Australia, with the early prelims beginning at approximately 10pm GMT.
The main prelims follow at midnight GMT on Sunday, while the main card commences at 2am GMT on Sunday. In the headline event, Lopes is expected to enter the cage first at approximately 4am GMT on Sunday, followed by Volkanovski shortly after. All timings remain subject to change depending on the duration of undercard fights.
UK viewers can watch the main card on TNT Sports, with early and regular prelims streamed live on UFC Fight Pass. For audiences in the United States, Paramount+ will broadcast both the main card and regular prelims of this highly anticipated championship showdown.
