Gaethje Turns Back the Clock to Break Pimblett Dream in Brutal UFC 324 Classic
Justin Gaethje has built a career on chaos, courage and controlled violence, and at UFC 324 in Las Vegas he delivered another reminder of why he remains one of the most feared men in the lightweight division. On a dramatic night that promised to crown a new hero, it was Gaethje who stood tall, bloody but unbowed, after five ferocious rounds against Paddy Pimblett, shattering the Liverpudlian’s dream of interim gold while earning widespread respect for both men.
Gaethje vs Pimblett at UFC 324: A War Worthy of the Occasion
The stakes could hardly have been higher. With the lightweight division in a holding pattern due to Ilia Topuria’s temporary absence, the interim title was up for grabs, and the UFC placed enormous faith in Pimblett by handing him the spotlight on a landmark night with a new broadcast partner.
From the moment he danced his way to the octagon, Pimblett looked like a man comfortable on the biggest stage. Despite being the away fighter, he was greeted with a wall of noise, his cult following refusing to be silenced. Across from him stood Gaethje, 37 years old, written off by some, but still carrying the aura of a man who has never been in a boring fight.
After a cautious opening exchange, the bout exploded into life in trademark Gaethje fashion. A sharp right hand sent Pimblett to the canvas early, a reminder of the American’s devastating power. Pimblett scrambled back to his feet, firing a knee in response, signaling that he was not there to survive — he was there to fight.
Paddy Pimblett Shows Heart, But Gaethje Controls the Storm
The second round was where the reality of facing Gaethje truly hit home. Known for his relentless pressure and willingness to trade, the former interim champion upped the tempo, backing Pimblett up with heavy combinations. Pimblett tried to match fire with fire, but he spent long stretches absorbing punishment, his face already showing the damage.
A brutal left-right combination dropped Pimblett again in the dying seconds of the round, and for a moment it looked like the end might come early. The bell, though, was Pimblett’s savior. It was a pattern that would repeat: Gaethje hurting him badly, Pimblett refusing to go away.
Round three marked a shift. Blood streamed from Pimblett’s eye, but so did belief. A clean right hand forced Gaethje onto the back foot for the first time, igniting hope that the tide could turn. The crowd sensed it, the noise swelling as Pimblett pressed forward.
Momentum stalled with an unfortunate low-blow stoppage, and when action resumed, Gaethje quickly reasserted himself. Still, it was Pimblett’s best round, proof that he could stand and trade with one of the division’s most dangerous men.
Gaethje Rolls Back the Years in Vintage Performance
Paddy Pimblett: The five moments that changed everything!
If there were doubts about Gaethje’s durability or hunger, the fourth round erased them. Two heavy right hands put Pimblett on the canvas once more, yet again he rose, battered but defiant. The resilience of the Liverpool fighter was remarkable, but Gaethje’s composure was just as impressive.
Even as fatigue crept in, the American never stopped pressing, never stopped throwing. This was the Gaethje of old — wild, fearless, but smarter now, picking his moments and managing the fight just enough to stay ahead on the scorecards.
By the fifth round, both men were visibly exhausted, swinging with everything they had left. A spinning back fist from Pimblett narrowly missed. Gaethje answered with another heavy exchange. The crowd rose to its feet, knowing they were witnessing something special.
When the final bell rang, both fighters raised their arms. Only one, however, would leave with the belt.
Judges Decide Gaethje vs Pimblett as Interim Title Is Awarded
The judges’ verdict was unanimous. All three scorecards went in favor of Gaethje, a fair reflection of a fight he largely controlled despite Pimblett’s flashes of brilliance. The American claimed the interim lightweight title for the second time, becoming the first fighter in UFC history to achieve that feat.
“Paddy is right — Scousers do not get knocked out,” Gaethje said afterward, paying respect to his opponent. “I knew I had to put him on the back foot. He’s very dangerous, has great timing. I had to steal his confidence.”
Pimblett, to his credit, applauded Gaethje as the scores were read. It was his first loss inside the UFC and only the fourth of his career, but he carried himself with dignity.
“I wanted to be walking away with that belt,” Pimblett admitted. “I won’t lie, that body shot in the first round got me. You live and you learn. I’m 31 — I’ll be back better.”
UFC 324 Defeat Still Confirms Pimblett Among Lightweight Elite
Defeat can sometimes elevate a fighter more than victory, and this felt like one of those nights. Pimblett had talked his way to the biggest fight of his life, and many questioned whether he truly belonged at this level. Against Justin Gaethje, he answered that question.
He was beaten, yes — but he was not broken. Dropped repeatedly, bloodied, exhausted, Pimblett never stopped fighting back. Against an elite operator who has lived at the top of the division for nearly a decade, he proved he could survive, adapt and compete.
Sixteen years ago, a teenage Pimblett walked into an MMA gym in Liverpool and told everyone he would be a UFC champion. People laughed. At UFC 324, nobody was laughing anymore.
His post-fight comments once again turned attention toward mental health, a subject he has consistently championed. It was a reminder that Pimblett’s impact goes beyond wins and losses.
Gaethje Awaits Topuria as Pimblett’s Journey Continues
For Gaethje, the path is clear. Once Ilia Topuria returns, a unification bout awaits — another chance to etch his name deeper into UFC history. For Pimblett, the belt will have to wait, but his stock has never been higher.
This was not the end of his story. If anything, it was the moment he truly arrived.
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