Michael Bisping is critical of Paddy Pimblett‘s approach at UFC 324.
Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) proved to be durable when he became the first man to go five rounds with Justin Gaethje in a unanimous decision loss for the interim lightweight title Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pimblett survived two early knockdowns, but was ultimately battered for the majority of the fight.
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Pimblett failed to take the fight to the ground, and opted to stand and trade with Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC). “The Baddy” showed that “Scousers don’t get knocked out,” but Bisping wanted better defense.
“I mean, listen, we all know what the (Gaethje) is capable of, 14 fights in the UFC, 13 bonuses. He got another one, so that’s 14. He’s the human highlight reel for a reason,” Bisping said on TNT Fight Sports. “But if I’m talking about the fight strategically, I mean, listen, Paddy was great with the heart and everything and he rocked him, and the uppercuts were beautiful, and he caught him with some shots later on in the rounds as Justin was coming forward.
“But I wish he put his chin down a little bit and I wish he brought his hands up a little bit. And I know that’s his style, and he gets away with it, and my word, has he got a chin and I’m impressed. So, I’m not talking trash, but it’s like there could have just been a few better defensive things and maybe we would have had a different result here.”
A former Cage Warriors champion, Pimblett suffered his first octagon loss. Meanwhile, Gaethje is expected to unify his belt with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria next.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Michael Bisping disappointed with Paddy Pimblett’s defense at UFC 324
