Paddy Pimblett Maintains UFC Lightweight Ranking Despite Defeat to Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett has avoided a drop in the latest UFC lightweight rankings, even after losing to Justin Gaethje in a high-stakes interim championship bout this past weekend. The Liverpudlian fighter, known as 'The Baddy', faced Gaethje at UFC 324 in Las Vegas, engaging in an epic back-and-forth showdown that ultimately saw him come up short on points.
Remarkable Ascent and High Stakes for Pimblett
Since his UFC debut five years ago, Pimblett has experienced a remarkable ascent through the promotion's hierarchy. His devastating victory over Michael Chandler last April earned him this opportunity at the interim title. A win would have secured him a clash for the undisputed championship against long-standing adversary Ilia Topuria, adding immense pressure to the fight.
Despite being floored twice by Gaethje during the 25-minute battle, the 31-year-old Briton garnered widespread praise for his display of courage and resilience. Entering the fight night positioned at number five in the rankings, Pimblett has remained unmoved in the most recent revision, as reported by All Out Fighting, highlighting his continued standing in the competitive lightweight division.
Gaethje's Victory and Shifts in the Rankings
Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje has been elevated to interim champion following his triumph. This victory prompted adjustments in the rankings, with Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway each dropping down one position. Gaethje, often called 'The Highlight', abandoned his recent measured approach in the octagon, returning to the unpredictable style that has endeared him to UFC fans, which proved successful against Pimblett.
At 37 years old, Gaethje's win has secured him a future clash with destiny in the form of a title fight against Ilia Topuria later this year, setting the stage for another major lightweight showdown.
What's Next for Paddy Pimblett?
For Pimblett, the focus now shifts to returning to basics and climbing back up the rankings. He may have one eye on this weekend's UFC 325 card in Australia, which features two thrilling lightweight contests on the main card. In particular, the Merseyside fighter has exchanged words with Dan Hooker in recent weeks, and Hooker is set to face Benoit Saint Denis in the co-main event, a matchup Pimblett could be monitoring closely for potential future opportunities.
Additionally, Rafael Fiziev will attempt to secure consecutive victories for the first time since 2022 when he faces Mauricio Ruffy on the same card. As Pimblett recovers and regroups, the lightweight division remains highly competitive, with several fighters vying for top positions and title shots in the coming months.
