Justin Gaethje decisions Paddy Pimblett in UFC 324

Justin Gaethje decisions Paddy Pimblett in UFC 324 | MMA News

The interim light-weight title was on the road in the UFC 324 main event on Saturday. Former interim champion Justin Gaethje confronted No. 5 ranked Paddy Pimblett in the featured struggle of the first UFC event of 2026.

Pimblett entered the bout ranked No. 5 in the division and using an spectacular nine-fight profitable streak. Gaethje made the stroll to the octagon coming off a choice win over Rafael Fiziev in a rematch. 

It was doubtless Gaethje’s closing probability to secure an alternative at a unified UFC championship. For Pimblett, it could be the largest win of his profession. Both males had been eyeing a unification bout against champion Ilia Topuria with victory.  

Gaethje pressed ahead to start the struggle. Pimblett related with a leg kick. He stepped in the pocket with a proper hand. Gaethje landed his jab. Pimblett landed a mixture and Gaethje countered with a proper hand. Pimblett unloaded a mixture. Gaethje absorbed it. He landed an higher cut that sat Pimblett down. He let Pimblett up. Pimblett landed an uppercut. Pimblett landed a leg kick adopted with a left hand. Gaethje closed the gap and clinched. They separated and Gaethje related with a mixture. Pimblett continued to land leg kicks. Pimblett was by accident poked in the attention. He was given time to get better. 

When motion resumed, Pimblett went high with a kick. Gaethje closed the gap with a mixture. Pimblett fired back and clinched. They separated. Pimblett continued to goal Gaethje’s legs with kicks. MMAWeekly scored the spherical 10-9 for Gaethje with the knockdown. 

They exchanged left fingers early. Pimblett continued to ship leg kicks. Gaethje landed a counter. Gaethje’s jab discovered a home. Gaethje pressured Pimblett. They clinched and Pimblett delivered a knee to the physique. Gaethje stepped ahead with a jab. Gaethje continued to strain Pimblett. Pimblett seemed for a takedown. As they stood, Gaethje landed a knee that knocked Pimblett down. He instant received back to his ft. Pimblett was knocked down again. Gaethje stood and dove back in with a large proper hand. MMAWeekly scored the spherical 10-9 for Gaethje. 

Gaethje pressured Pimblett to start the third. Pimblett responded with a jab. He related with his jab again. Pimblett landed a mixture. Pimblett went back to using leg kicks. Pimblett’s jab continued to land. He delivered a entrance kick to the physique. Gaethje responded with a laborious leg kick. Pimblett related with a straight left adopted by a mixture. Gaethje received clipped with a knee to the groin and was given time to get better. 

When the struggle resumed, Pimblett delivered a leg kick. Pimblett kicked up the tempo. Pimblett started urgent Gaethje. A stiff jab landed for Pimblett. MMAWeekly scored the spherical 10-9 for Pimblett.

Gaetjhje opened the fourth body with a jab to the physique. Pimblett responded with one of his own. Pimblett delivered a kick to the physique Gaethje started pressuring. He landed a proper hand. Pimblett seemed for a takedown. Gaethje fended it off and Pimblett stood. A proper hand knocked Pimblett down. He immediately received back to his ft. Another proper by Gaethje landed. Gaethje landed a left that harm Pimblett. Gaethje pressed ahead with a mixture. Pimblett responded with a proper hand. They separated and exchanged jabs. Pimblett moved ahead with a mixture. Pimblett delivered a kick to the physique adopted by a mixture.  MMAWeekly scored the spherical 10-9 for Gaethje. 

They hugged before the ultimate fame. They exchanged early with both males touchdown. Gaethje related with a proper on the inside. Pimblett went to the physique with a kick. He seemed or a takedown. Gaethje defended it but Pimblett saved the strain on. They separated. Gaethje landed two proper fingers. ‘Gaethje landed two more proper fingers. Pimblett unloaded a mixture. Gaethje clinched but the shortly separated. Gaethje tied Pimblett up but they separated again. Pimblett unloaded but too little too late. MMAWeekly scored the spherical 10-9 for Pimblett. 

The judges scored the struggle for Gaethje via unanimous choice. The scorecards read 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46.

Stay up to date with the latest news in blended martial arts! Our web site is your go-to source for cutting-edge MMA news, struggle highlights, fighter stats, and insights into upcoming matchups. We present daily updates to guarantee you will have access to the freshest data on struggle outcomes, rankings, injury reviews, and major bulletins.

Explore how these trends are shaping the future of the game! Visit us frequently for the most partaking and informative MMA content by clicking right here. Our fastidiously curated articles will keep you informed on UFC occasions, championship fights, fighter contracts, and historic moments in the octagon.