MMA fans have erupted online after a controversial moment during Justin Gaethje’s fight against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324, with many accusing the former interim champion of getting away with a dirty move.
The incident has become one of the most debated talking points from the high-profile bout at UFC 324’s main event.
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Justin Gaethje escapes punishment after eye poke incident
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
A snap from the fight shows Justin Gaethje appearing to poke Paddy Pimblett in the eye during an exchange, a move that is illegal under UFC rules.
Despite Pimblett reacting immediately and briefly pausing, the referee did not issue a warning, point deduction, or timeout.
The incident occurred during Gaethje’s victory over Pimblett at UFC 324, a fight that saw Gaethje control large portions of the contest with pressure and striking. No official replay review was conducted, and the bout continued uninterrupted, a decision that has since drawn heavy scrutiny.
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Eye pokes are considered one of the most dangerous fouls in MMA due to the risk of serious injury and potential impact on a fighter’s vision. While referees have discretion in assessing intent, the lack of any action in this case has left many questioning the officiating.
MMA fans furious over ‘dirty move’ controversy
Following the fight, fans flooded social media with criticism aimed at both Gaethje and the officiating crew. One fan wrote, “Dirtiest title fight I’ve seen in a while,” while another claimed, “Justin has always been a dirty fighter.”
Others felt the eye poke altered the course of the bout. “That changed the fight. Do better UFC!” one comment read, while another added, “Can’t miss such an egregious eye poke!”
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Some reactions were even stronger, with one fan describing the outcome as “This was highway robbery.” The debate has reignited wider concerns about consistency in refereeing and the enforcement of fouls during high-stakes fights.
While Gaethje’s win stands officially, the controversy surrounding the eye poke has ensured the fight will be remembered as much for the officiating debate as for the action inside the octagon.
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