← UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett
UFC Lightweight Title fight

Justin Gaethje VS Paddy Pimblett

T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Tale of the Tape

28-5-0 Record 24-4-0
37 Age 31
180 cm Height 178 cm
178 cm Reach 185 cm
orthodox Stance orthodox
79% Finish rate 75%
75% KO rate 29%
4% Sub rate 46%

Result Summary

Justin Gaethje def. Paddy Pimblett Decision (unanimous) · R5 5:00

In the main event, Justin Gaethje captured the Interim Lightweight Championship with a brutal five-round unanimous decision victory over Paddy Pimblett. The fight was an absolute classic, characterized by Gaethje's relentless pressure and punishing leg kicks. Early in the fight, Gaethje compromised Pimblett's lead leg, forcing the British star to switch stances frequently. Despite absorbing heavy damage and visible swelling, Pimblett displayed incredible heart, firing back with combinations and attempting to grapple, though Gaethje stuffed nearly every takedown attempt. By the championship rounds, Pimblett was bloodied and bruised but refused to go away, engaging in wild exchanges that brought the crowd to its feet. Gaethje's superior power and accuracy ultimately earned him the clear scorecard victory in a 'Fight of the Year' contender.

Fight Overview

A surreal yet high-stakes headliner sees 'The Highlight' Justin Gaethje defending the Interim Lightweight Championship against the polarizing superstar Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett. Gaethje, the violent gatekeeper of the elite, represents the ultimate litmus test for Pimblett's rapid and controversial ascent. While Pimblett has silenced critics with improved submission grappling and durability, Gaethje's leg kicks and anti-wrestling pose a threat unlike anything the Liverpudlian has faced. This is a collision between elite, calcified violence and the unpredictable momentum of a massive hype train.

Keys to Victory

Justin Gaethje

  1. Compromise the lead leg early to neutralize Pimblett's forward pressure
  2. Maintain the 'car crash' range—too close for Paddy's kicks, too far for his clinch entries
  3. Punish Pimblett's tendency to keep his chin high during exchanges with check hooks

Paddy Pimblett

  1. Create chaotic scrambles to bypass Gaethje's technical takedown defense
  2. Jump the guillotine or take the back during transitions; avoid pure kickboxing exchanges
  3. Utilize teep kicks to the body to disrupt Gaethje's breathing and forward rhythm

Last 5 fights

Justin Gaethje

  1. W Rafael Fiziev Decision · R3 5:00 · 8 MAR 2025
  2. L Max Holloway KO · R5 4:59 · 13 APR 2024
  3. W Dustin Poirier KO · R2 1:00 · 29 JUL 2023
  4. W Rafael Fiziev Decision · R3 5:00 · 18 MAR 2023
  5. L Charles Oliveira Submission · R1 3:22 · 7 MAY 2022

Paddy Pimblett

  1. W Michael Chandler TKO · R3 3:07 · 12 APR 2025
  2. W King Green Submission · R1 3:22 · 27 JUL 2024
  3. W Tony Ferguson Decision · R3 5:00 · 16 DEC 2023
  4. W Jared Gordon Decision · R3 5:00 · 10 DEC 2022
  5. W Jordan Leavitt Submission · R2 2:46 · 23 JUL 2022

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AI-generated This analysis was generated with AI and may contain errors.

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