UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett has spoken out for the first time following his disappointing loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, marking the first defeat of his UFC career.
Pimblett entered UFC 324 riding major momentum, but his long-awaited title moment fell short as Gaethje dominated key exchanges and secured a unanimous decision victory to claim the interim lightweight championship. While Pimblett showed flashes of brilliance, Gaethje’s pressure, damage, and experience ultimately made the difference over five hard rounds.
Despite the setback, Pimblett refused to make excuses. Shortly after the fight, he addressed fans in a heartfelt social media post, showing gratitude, accountability, and confidence in his future.
“Hope everyone enjoyed my fight just as much as I did,” Pimblett wrote. “I want to thank everyone who came to support and everyone watching at home. I’m all good, no injuries. I went into the fight feeling amazing, had a great camp, and an easy weight cut. No excuses — the better man won on the night.”
Pimblett also gave Gaethje his respect, praising the veteran’s career and championship run.
“Justin, congratulations brother. It was an honour to share the cage with such a legend,” Pimblett said. “Go get that undisputed title — your career deserves it.”
The Liverpool native made it clear that the loss has not shaken his belief or long-term goals.
“Hopefully we can run it back for the undisputed because I still know it’s in my destiny to win that gold,” Pimblett added. “UFC, thank you for the opportunity. You all know I’ll be back for that belt in the near future.”
Following the fight, Pimblett was taken to a local Las Vegas hospital due to swelling and facial damage sustained during the brutal contest. UFC CEO Dana White opted to send him for medical evaluation immediately rather than have him attend the post-fight press conference.
Statistically, Pimblett had moments of success, even outlanding Gaethje in significant strikes. However, Gaethje scored multiple knockdowns and consistently inflicted heavier damage, controlling the narrative of the fight round by round.
The loss drops Pimblett to 7–1 in the UFC and 23–4 overall, but it does little to dull his star power. Although a grudge match with Ilia Topuria will have to wait, Pimblett remains firmly in the lightweight title picture.
For Pimblett, UFC 324 wasn’t the end of the journey, it was a hard lesson and, potentially, the start of his next climb back to gold.
