ILIA TOPURIA has added insult to injury for Paddy Pimblett, following the Liverpool star’s crushing defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
Despite entering the T-Mobile Arena as a slight betting favourite, “Paddy the Baddy” saw his seven-fight UFC unbeaten streak come to a bloody end. In a five-round war for the Interim Lightweight Championship, veteran Justin Gaethje rolled back the years, securing a unanimous decision victory (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) and setting up a massive unification bout later this year.
Topuria Rubs Salt in the Wound
Undisputed champion Ilia Topuria—who has shared a bitter rivalry with Pimblett for years—wasted no time in reacting to the result. Taking to social media, Topuria mocked the Scouser’s performance, suggesting Pimblett was never at the level required to hang with the elite 155lb veterans.
Topuria’s sharpest jab focused on the “failed financial opportunity” for Pimblett, who would have stood to gain a massive payday in a champion-vs-champion clash had he secured the interim strap. Instead, Topuria now turns his focus to Justin Gaethje, issuing a chilling warning to the American to prepare for their undisputed title unification bout scheduled for Summer 2026.
Gaethje: The “Gangster” of the Lightweight Division
At 37 years old, Gaethje proved that “The Highlight” still has plenty of shine left. Despite Pimblett showing incredible heart—landing significant leg kicks and stinging jabs in the third and fifth rounds—Gaethje’s power was the difference-maker. He dropped Pimblett in the first and nearly found a stoppage in the second and fourth rounds.
“That Scouser does not get knocked out. What a f**king gangster,” Gaethje said in his post-fight interview. “I knew I had to steal his momentum early. Champions move forward, and now I’m moving toward Topuria.”
Tsarukyan Joins the Chorus of Critics
Topuria wasn’t the only one unimpressed by Pimblett’s title tilt. Number-one ranked contender Arman Tsarukyan, who was vocal about Pimblett “leapfrogging” more deserving contenders, slammed the Liverpudlian’s performance.
“This is what happens when you’re gifted opportunities and pushed up the rankings artificially,” Tsarukyan posted on X. “A completely undeserved title shot for Paddy. He’s just a trash can with a bad chin.”
What Next for Paddy the Baddy?
After being rushed to the hospital for assessment following the “blood-soaked” battle, Pimblett remained graceful in defeat. He admitted that a body shot in the first round from Gaethje fundamentally changed his game plan but vowed that at 31 years of age, he would return to the Octagon a better fighter.
For now, the lightweight landscape shifts. While Pimblett heads back to the drawing board, the MMA world prepares for a summer blockbuster between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje to decide the true king of the 155lb division.
MMA UK Fans—was Paddy “exposed” at UFC 324, or does he deserve credit for going the distance with a legend? Can Topuria finish Gaethje in the summer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
