Paddy Pimblett suspended from UFC after defeat to | Boxing News

Paddy Pimblett faces a necessary UFC suspension after his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in his attempt to declare the interim light-weight title. The bout proved to be a punishing five-round affair, with the American edging victory on the judges’ scorecards of 48-47, 49-46, 49-46.

The first spherical witnessed Gaethje secure an early takedown against Pimblett, though the Liverpudlian survived the opening onslaught to regain his footing before an unintentional eye poke to Pimblett summoned the doctor into the cage. After medical examination, Pimblett acquired clearance to proceed, with both fighters trading blows on their toes throughout the next two rounds.

In the fourth spherical, Gaethje repeatedly troubled Pimblett, yet the Brit confirmed extraordinary willpower and landed his own flurry of strikes late in the session to set up an enthralling remaining spherical.

The American fighter again took control with a barrage of heavy blows before Pimblett switched ways with relentless takedown efforts against Gaethje.

While Gaethje efficiently maintained his standing place, he began to show indicators of exhaustion as the clock wound down, offering Pimblett a likelihood to chase a spectacular late stoppage. Despite his best efforts, the Baddy was unable to land the knockout blow, with both rivals sharing a second of mutual respect after the ultimate bell sounded.

Pimblett was transported to hospital following the bout for further medical checks, but acquired the all-clear and was subsequently seen celebrating at an afterparty at Zouk nightclub at Resorts World.

Section 467.562 of the Nevada Admin Code (NAC) is the “suspension of licensee for medical reason,” which implies that Pimblett “must be suspended until it is shown that he is fit for further competition.”

The 31-year-old will now face a necessary 30-day period without competing, which is normal observe for boxers and UFC fighters; however, given the brutal nature of his loss, that suspension could possibly be prolonged relying on his accidents.

The NAC has the authority to prolong the suspension to a most of 180 days. In his post-fight interview, Pimblett told Joe Rogan: “I wanted to be walking away with that belt, Joe. I know how tough I am anyway. I don’t need to prove it to anyone. But there’s no other man I’d rather lose to than ‘The Highlight’.

“Justin Gaethje is somebody I’ve cherished watching growing up watching the UFC and it exhibits why he is a legend. I assumed 48-47 was a truthful scorecard.

“I’m not gonna lie, he hit me with a body shot in the first round, he hit me in the solarplexus and it got me. I thought I was winning the first round up until that point.

“But, you live and you be taught. I’m 31, I’ll be back better. You have not seen the last of me.”