Paddy Pimblett tried mightily to send Justin Gaethje packing at UFC 324, but instead he’ll be the one sulking after falling short of the interim lightweight title.
Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) entered Saturday’s headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas with the utmost confidence in his ability. He said he was going to knock Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) out and sent him into retirement, but it didn’t play out that way in reality.
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Gaethje scored two knockdowns, landed three takedowns and connected with 144 significant strikes over the five-round contest, giving him the unanimous decision. Pimblett battled for all 25 minutes, connecting with 156 significant strikes of his own, but failing to create the type of damage that his opponent delivered on him.
Gaethje said post-fight that he hopes the loss is a humbling experience for Pimblett, because the heart and determination is all there. “The Baddy” just needs to further hone in his skills and operate with a little more humility, Gaethje said, and there’s a great chance he reached the top.
If Pimblett follows that guidance, it could be that he’s able to defeat top talent at 155 pounds in the future, but what comes next?
The options are tricky for Pimblett. The timing doesn’t feel right for a grudge match with Arman Tsarukyan. Putting him in the Conor McGregor sweepstakes for UFC White House is fun but not something he should be counting on.
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The most realistic fight in play would be a showdown with heated rival Dan Hooker, who fights Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 325 on Saturday in Sydney (Paramount+). There were a lot of personal things said recently between Hooker and Pimblett, so it makes sense to have them settle it next.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 324 matchmaker: Who’s next for Paddy Pimblett after loss?
