Paddy Pimblett dropped twice as Justin Gaethje wins all-time UFC classic | UFC | Sport

Justin Gaethje became the first ever two-time UFC interim champion after narrowly defeating a battered Paddy Pimblett in an epic back-and-forth UFC battle. Many anticipated UFC 324 would represent a genuine changing of the guard moment, with the veteran fighters gradually stepping aside for the emerging, rising talent. Since his promotional debut, Gaethje has consistently participated in numerous punishing wars, and there were some who believed it would finally catch up with him on Saturday evening.

However, the ‘Highlight’ utilised his championship experience – having previously fallen short of undisputed glory twice – to his benefit, demonstrating that his Liverpool opponent was somewhat hasty in jumping the queue ahead of more deserving challengers. The 37-year-old was determined to display precisely why he remains one of the most formidable fighters on the planet. From the opening bell, the American truly seized the initiative before becoming the UFC’s inaugural two-time interim champion with a unanimous decision triumph over the Scouser, and in doing so, securing himself another opportunity at the prized undisputed title.

In recent times, we have witnessed Gaethje remain composed and controlled whilst getting the job done. However, much to everyone’s astonishment, he returned to his previous approach of swinging wildly from the opening bell.

The American is renowned for his devastating leg kicks, obliterating opponents with his vicious strikes, but it was Pimblett who launched the kicking assault – catching the ‘Highlight’ unawares.

It was clear both fighters wanted to deliver a spectacle, as they exchanged thunderous blows at close quarters. Pimblett found himself battling for survival after being floored midway through the opening round when Gaethje unleashed a devastating right hand.

But the Liverpool fighter displayed tremendous courage and refused to surrender despite absorbing punishment on the canvas.

After permitting Pimblett to regain his footing, it appeared to be an error from Gaethje, who absorbed some brutal uppercuts. But there was simply no surrender in either man, as they refused to crumble under the pressure.

Early in the second round, some swelling began to emerge beneath Pimblett’s right eye.

Nevertheless, the Liverpudlian gritted his teeth and continued to out-kick the kicking expert. Gaethje, as always, refused to display any signs of dejection.

The former ‘BMF’ champion came forward once more and managed to floor his opponent again. Pimblett, breathing heavily, somehow survived until the bell.

There was some minor controversy, however, after slow motion replays caught Gaethje jabbing his opponent for a second occasion. Clearly, following two rounds, there was alarm in the Pimblett corner as his veteran head coaches urged the Scouse fighter to bring the battle to the ground.

Yet the showman that Pimblett is, he was keen to switch his adversary’s lights off and spotted a chance to do precisely that in the third. The 31-year-old recovered some poise, whilst Gaethje was still launching some wild swings.

The ‘Baddy’ remained alert by striking low, and combining his attacks effectively – but still declined to attempt a takedown.

As the swelling and cuts on Pimblett’s right eye threatened to deteriorate, Gaethje seized the moment by unleashing savage hooks and overhands. Despite the barrage from the knockout specialist, Pimblett simply would not yield, displaying genuine grit, and edging the third as he sought to change the tide.

As we moved into the championship rounds, Gaethje was prepared to drag his opponent into uncharted territory. Pimblett has only experienced three-rounders in the UFC, and it was going to require something special in an attempt to triumph against the punishing veteran.

Many were astonished to witness the fourth, but Pimblett’s tremendous and admirable courage was fully evident. Several sluggish exchanges began proceedings in the penultimate round.

Both fighters were clearly exhausted and drained. A visibly deflated Pimblett endured relentless punishment, whilst having his back controlled.

Yet as always, he remained determined to uphold his principle that Scousers do not get knocked out.

Many have been left staring at the canvas after receiving a powerful right from Gaethje, but with thousands of Scousers having made the journey, Pimblett refused to surrender, thereby earning Gaethje’s respect.

As the bell rang to mark the conclusion of round four, the ‘Baddy’ required a miracle and needed to channel Leon Edwards’ remarkable come-from-behind victory over Kamaru Usman.

Predictably, the two battered combatants shared a warm embrace as the fifth round commenced. It was do or die for Pimblett – who caught Gaethje with some sharp strikes over the top, before clinging to his opponent’s body in a frantic attempt to bring the contest to the mat.

Gaethje’s elite wrestling background proved invaluable, as Pimblett couldn’t take advantage. With the clock running down, the ‘Baddy’ committed fully, launching some wild and sweeping strikes.

He couldn’t finish the American, but will undoubtedly earn widespread praise for his extraordinary display of courage.

In what was already a genuine fight of the year contender, it was Gaethje who ultimately secured the decision victory – with scorecards reading: 48-47, 49-46, 49-46.

“Scousers cannot get knocked out! This Scouser does not get knocked out. What a f***ing gangster,” said Gaethje.

“I knew that I had to put him on his back foot. He’s very dangerous and has great timing. I had to work really hard, but champions move forward, and I just showed you why that is a must.”

Pimblett, meanwhile was gracious in defeat, as he paid tribute to Gaethje, saying: “I wanted to be walking away with that belt, and I know how tough I am anyway. I don’t need to prove it to anyone. I wanted to leave with that belt.

“But there’s no man I’d rather lose to than The Highlight, someone I grew up watching. It shows why he’s a legend, right there.

“I thought 48-47 was a fair scorecard. I’m not gonna lie, he hit me with a body shot in that first round, hit me right in the solar plexus, and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up until that point. I’m 31, you haven’t seen the last of me.”