The highly anticipated UFC 324 main event has concluded, and the interim lightweight championship has a new contender! While many were eager to see Paddy Pimblett's rise continue, it was Justin Gaethje who ultimately emerged victorious.
This was more than just a fight; it was a massive test for Liverpool's own Paddy Pimblett, who stepped into the octagon against the formidable Justin Gaethje in the headline bout of UFC 324. The stakes were incredibly high, with the winner set to earn the interim lightweight title and a future shot at unifying the belts against the undisputed champion, Ilia Topuria. This event also marked a significant moment as it was the first card under the UFC's new, lucrative broadcast deal with Paramount+.
Pimblett, nicknamed 'Paddy the Baddy,' was looking to add another major name to his impressive win streak, especially after his dominant performance against Michael Chandler in April. He entered this bout ranked fifth in the division, aiming to prove he's ready for the absolute elite. But here's where it gets controversial... some might argue that his ranking didn't fully reflect the caliber of opponents he'd faced until this point.
Meanwhile, for Justin Gaethje, this fight represented a crucial opportunity, especially considering he's approaching 38 years old and this could be a final shot at championship glory.
And this is the part most people miss... While the focus was on the main event, UFC 324 also featured other exciting matchups. Sean O’Malley secured a win over Song Yadong, Waldo Cortes-Acosta stopped Derrick Lewis, Natalia Silva defeated Rose Namajunas, and Arnold Allen unfortunately lost a thrilling contest to Jean Silva.
The Verdict: Gaethje Claims Interim Gold!
After an absolutely grueling five-round war, Justin Gaethje was declared the winner by unanimous decision. The judges' scorecards read 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46, all in favor of Gaethje, crowning him the interim lightweight champion for a second time. This marks Paddy Pimblett's first defeat in eight UFC fights, a tough pill to swallow after such a spirited performance.
Round-by-Round Breakdown:
Round 5: The final round saw Pimblett finally achieve some takedown success, but Gaethje's resilience and defensive skills were on full display. Both fighters, visibly exhausted, exchanged punishing knees and strikes in a desperate bid for victory. In the closing moments, Gaethje, though hurt, managed to press Pimblett against the cage. It was an extraordinary display of heart from both warriors, leaving everyone breathless.
Round 4: The momentum continued to swing wildly. Pimblett landed some significant shots, but Gaethje responded with a powerful punch that visibly hurt him. Pimblett's face was a mess, and he even claimed to have been hit low. Despite being in trouble, he continued to attack Gaethje's legs and unleashed a furious combination before the bell. The anticipation for the final round was immense.
Round 3: Pimblett showed incredible recovery, utilizing his jab effectively. Both fighters exchanged heavy blows, and Gaethje appeared buzzed, hinting at a potential shift in momentum. A controversial low knee from Pimblett drew a reaction from Gaethje, though replays confirmed the foul. Pimblett continued to target Gaethje's legs and landed a significant right hand. After a dominant second round, Gaethje's performance in this round was surprisingly passive, allowing Pimblett to re-enter the fight.
Round 2: Pimblett's punishing leg kicks were a constant threat. Gaethje attempted a takedown but Pimblett quickly defended. The fighters exchanged damage, with Pimblett landing knees to the body and Gaethje countering with uppercuts. The tide turned dramatically when Pimblett was hurt by a knee and then caught by a powerful right hand, sending him to the canvas. Gaethje unleashed a barrage of ground and pound, and Pimblett was saved by the buzzer, looking severely damaged with blood around his eye.
Round 1: The opening round was explosive. Pimblett landed sharp strikes, but Gaethje matched him. A massive knee and big punches from Pimblett were met with a powerful right from Gaethje that sent Pimblett down. Gaethje allowed him to get back up. Pimblett felt Gaethje's power and was knocked down again after a leg kick. The round also saw a stoppage due to an accidental eye poke from Gaethje, which drew boos from the crowd and left Pimblett incredulous. Despite the interruption, both fighters exchanged significant blows, with Pimblett landing effective leg kicks and uppercuts, while Gaethje continued to search for his signature right hand. It was an incredible, high-risk first round!
The Atmosphere:
The introductions were spine-tingling, and the main event finally kicked off around 5 am UK time. Pimblett entered the octagon with his characteristic energy, dancing and engaging with the crowd, appearing incredibly relaxed. Gaethje, in contrast, exuded a calm and composed demeanor, draped in an American flag.
What are your thoughts on the fight? Do you agree with the judges' decision, or do you think Pimblett did enough to earn the win? Let us know in the comments below!
