Paddy Pimblett paid tribute to Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva after his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. The 31-year-old, a devoted Reds supporter, fell via unanimous decision after a five-round battle but used his post-fight interview to honour those close to his heart.
Pimblett began by dedicating his performance to the mother of his friend and training partner Liam Gittins, who passed away recently. He then turned to the memory of Jota and his brother, who died in a car accident last year. 'I know there'll be loads of Liverpool fans here,' he said. 'There's a Liverpool legend what passed away... so I'd like to dedicate that performance to them, even though I didn't win.'
The fighter also championed men's mental health awareness, having lost two friends since his last bout. His words were met with applause from the Las Vegas crowd and widespread praise on social media, despite his disappointment at not securing a championship belt to mark the occasion.
Pimblett praised Gaethje, calling him a legend he grew up watching, and expressed determination to return. Gaethje, who became the first two-time interim champion, complimented Pimblett's resilience, declaring 'Scousers cannot get knocked out!' It remains to be seen what comes next for the Liverpudlian, but he vowed to bounce back.
