Paddy Pimblett Opens Up About His UFC 324 Defeat to Justin Gaethje and Moving Forward

After Ilia Topuria retired on his stool following a fight with Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, fans began reconsidering Paddy Pimblett's earlier defeat to the same opponent. This loss marked Pimblett's first in the UFC, taking place in January 2026 at UFC 324.

The bout was for the interim lightweight championship and headlined the promotion's inaugural Paramount+ card. It featured several contentious moments, including multiple eye pokes and a low blow directed at Pimblett. These fouls stirred debate after the referee chose not to deduct any points. Ultimately, two judges scored the fight 49-46 in favor of Gaethje.

Pimblett’s Response to the Setback

When asked if he had moved past the defeat, Pimblett stated, "Yeah, Sunday morning, it was, that’s done. Let’s move on." Despite the tough loss, Pimblett showed resilience and a readiness to focus on what lies ahead.

Looking Ahead to the Next Fight

Pimblett last stepped into the Octagon in July 2026 and has yet to announce his next opponent. He mentioned in the same interview that his comeback won’t happen soon but hopes to return during the first quarter of 2027.

Fresh off a commanding submission victory over Saint Denis, Pimblett aims to use that momentum as he prepares for his future matchups. With his initial UFC loss now behind him, fans are curious about who the Liverpudlian star will challenge next.