Gaethje ends Pimblett’s unbeaten run in brutal UFC 324 showdown
Liverpool fighter Paddy Pimblett saw his nine-fight unbeaten streak come to an end after a punishing five-round battle with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Pimblett, 31, showed immense courage and resilience but was ultimately outscored by the American, who earned a unanimous decision victory to claim the interim lightweight title. Gaethje, 37, delivered a throwback performance, dragging Pimblett into a relentless war that pushed both fighters to their limits.
Bloodied but unbroken, Pimblett fought toe-to-toe with Gaethje until the final bell, with both men raising their arms in anticipation of the verdict. However, the judges sided with Gaethje on all three scorecards.
“Paddy’s right — Scousers don’t get knocked out,” Gaethje said afterwards. “I knew I had to pressure him and take away his confidence. He’s dangerous, so I couldn’t give him space.”
The win marks Gaethje’s second reign as interim champion, setting up a future clash with undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria once he returns from a personal break.
Despite the loss — his first in the UFC and fourth of his professional career — Pimblett handled defeat with dignity, applauding Gaethje as the scores were announced.
“I wanted to walk away with that belt,” Pimblett admitted. “I know how tough I am, and I don’t need to prove that. I’ll learn from this and come back better.”
The Briton also used his post-fight interview to once again speak openly about mental health, urging men to seek help and talk about their struggles rather than suffering in silence.

