UFC Veteran Justin Gaethje showed why is still regarded as one of the promotion’s main attractions this weekend following a gruesome win over Paddy Pimblett to claim the Lightweight Interim crown at UFC324 on Saturday night.
Gaethje and Pimblett pressed the issue from the first horn, so much so that the fight began with massive exchanges that excited fans at the T-Mobile Area in Las Vegas. However, a bombing right hand by Gaethje saw Pimblett crumble to the canvas in the first round, who subsequently weathered the early storm.
Nicknamed ‘The Highlight’, Gaethje added another eye-catching knockdown to his catalogue in the second-round as a swift left-right combination sent Pimblett to the Canvas moments before the bell rang.
Again, with the Liverpudlian showcasing his resilience, Pimblett found himself back on his feet in the third round with some momentum in his stride. A strong right hand saw Gaethje take a back step for the first time in the fight.
However, a visibly tired Gaethje bounced back in the fourth by dropping Pimblett with another right, of which the Briton ate before getting back up to his feet. Both fighters were hurt in the final round as they were seen throwing haymakers to see out the fight.
After Gaethje’s hand was raised, the 37-year-old lauded Pimblett for his will to survive across the five-rounder.
"Paddy is right; Scousers do not get knocked out," Gaethje said.
"My coach was definitely upset at me after the first round, but I just love this so much, it's really hard to control myself sometimes.
"I knew I had to put him on his back foot, he is very dangerous and has great timing. I had to steal his momentum and confidence."
In reaction to his defeat, Pimblett expressed that the scorecards revealed a fair fight in the end.
"I wanted to be walking away with that belt. I know how tough I am and I don't need to prove that to anyone," the 31-year-old uttered.
"I think 48-47 was a fair scorecard. I won't lie, he hit me with a body shot in the first round and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up to that point.
"You live and you learn; I'm 31, I will be back better."
UFC324 Main card results
Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
Sean O'Malley defeats Song Yadong by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Waldo Cortes Acosta defeats Derrick Lewis by TKO, Round 2, 3:14
Natalia Silva defeats Rose Namajunas by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jean Silva defeats Arnold Allen by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)