Paddy Pimblett was rushed to hospital after a gruesome loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
Gaethje made history as the first two-time UFC interim champion, triumphing over a battered Pimblett in an intense showdown.
UFC 324 was anticipated by many to be a pivotal moment of transition, with the seasoned fighters gradually making way for emerging talents. Since his debut, Gaethje has been part of numerous punishing battles, leading some to speculate that it might finally take its toll on him this Saturday night.
However, ‘The Highlight’ leveraged his championship experience – despite two previous unsuccessful attempts at undisputed glory – proving that his Liverpool opponent may have been hasty in bypassing more deserving contenders.
Speaking after the fight, UFC boss Dana White said: “We sent Paddy Pimblett straight to the hospital and we’re gonna send Gaethje too.
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“He got dropped a bunch of times. And he obviously took some big shots from a guy who knocks everybody out.
“But I don’t know if it’s going to [affect him later in his career].
“He showed tonight that he’s tough, he’s durable and he can take a punch. He can take a lot of punches, actually.”
At 37, Gaethje was keen to demonstrate why he’s one of the most formidable fighters in the world. From the get-go, the American was fiercely determined, eventually becoming the UFC’s first-ever two-time interim champion with a unanimous decision victory over the Liverpudlian.
This win secures him another shot at the highly sought-after undisputed title, reports the Mirror.
Recently, Gaethje has appeared composed and methodical in securing victories. Yet, to everyone’s astonishment, he returned to his former approach of throwing caution to the wind right from the opening bell.
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The American is renowned for his devastating leg strikes that demolish adversaries, but it was Pimblett who launched the kicking assault – leaving the ‘Highlight’ caught off balance.
Both fighters clearly wanted to deliver a spectacle, exchanging thunderous blows at close quarters. Pimblett found himself battling for survival after being floored halfway through the opening round when Gaethje unleashed a devastating right cross.
Yet the Merseyside fighter displayed tremendous courage and refused to surrender despite absorbing punishing strikes on the ground.
After permitting Pimblett to regain his footing, this appeared to be an error from Gaethje – who absorbed some vicious uppercuts. Both warriors showed incredible resilience, refusing to buckle under the intense pressure.
As the second round commenced, noticeable swelling began forming beneath Pimblett’s right eye.
Despite this, the Scouser clenched his mouthguard and continued to out-strike the striking expert. Gaethje, as always, showed no signs of dejection.
The former ‘BMF’ titleholder pressed forward once more and succeeded in dropping his opponent again. Pimblett, gasping for air, somehow survived until the bell sounded.
There was a touch of controversy, however, when slow-motion footage caught Gaethje landing another eye poke on his opponent.
After two rounds, there was clearly some alarm in Pimblett’s corner as his veteran coaches urged the Liverpool fighter to take the bout to the ground.
But being the showman he is, Pimblett was determined to knock his opponent out cold and spotted a chance to do exactly that in the third.
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The 31 year old found his rhythm again, whilst Gaethje continued unleashing heavy shots.
‘Baddy’ remained alert by targeting the body and varying his attacks effectively – yet still declined to attempt a takedown.
As the swelling and cuts around Pimblett’s right eye worsened, Gaethje seized the moment by launching wild hooks and overhand punches.
Despite the relentless assault from the finishing specialist, Pimblett simply wouldn’t give ground, displaying genuine grit and edging the third round as he sought to turn the tide.
Entering the championship rounds, Gaethje was prepared to drag his opponent into uncharted territory.
Pimblett had only experienced three-round contests in the UFC, and it would require something special to overcome the battle-hardened veteran.
Many were amazed to witness the fourth round, but Pimblett’s incredible and admirable courage was there for all to see. The penultimate round began with sluggish exchanges as both fighters showed clear signs of exhaustion.
Pimblett looked deflated as he soaked up punishment whilst being controlled from behind, yet remained determined to uphold his belief that Scousers never get knocked out.
Gaethje’s devastating right hand has sent many opponents crashing to the canvas, but with thousands of Liverpool fans having made the journey, Pimblett refused to surrender – earning admiration from his American rival in the process. As the fourth round concluded, the ‘Baddy’ desperately needed a miracle finish reminiscent of Leon Edwards’ remarkable comeback victory against Kamaru Usman.
The two weary gladiators shared a respectful embrace before the final frame commenced. Pimblett knew it was do-or-die time as he connected with sharp strikes from above before desperately attempting to drag his opponent to the ground.
However, Gaethje’s superior grappling background proved crucial as Pimblett couldn’t seize the moment. With seconds remaining, the ‘Baddy’ threw caution to the wind, launching wild, sweeping punches.
The 31 year old couldn’t secure the knockout blow, but his incredible display of courage will undoubtedly earn widespread acclaim. In what’s already shaping up to be a genuine fight of the year candidate, Gaethje secured the decision victory with scorecards reading: 48-47, 49-46, 49-46.
“Scousers cannot get knocked out! This Scouser does not get knocked out. What a f***ing gangster,” said Gaethje. “I knew that I had to put him on his back foot. He’s very dangerous and has great timing. I had to work really hard, but champions move forward, and I just showed you why that is a must.”
The victor continued: “I’ve just really got to trust my coach, ‘move him backwards and put your head on his chest’. I landed some MEAN ground and pound, that s*** was nasty!” Destiny now beckons for Gaethje, who’ll get his ultimate opportunity at undisputed championship glory when he faces Ilia Topuria later this year.
As for Pimblett, he’ll be returning to square one – battered but certainly not broken. The Liverpool fighter showed class in defeat, paying tribute to his opponent: “I wanted to be walking away with that belt, and I know how tough I am anyway. I don’t need to prove it to anyone. I wanted to leave with that belt.
“But there’s no man I’d rather lose to than The Highlight, someone I grew up watching. It shows why he’s a legend, right there. I thought 48-47 was a fair scorecard. I’m not gonna lie, he hit me with a body shot in that first round, hit me right in the solar plexus, and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up until that point. I’m 31, you haven’t seen the last of me.”