UFC 324: Justin Gaethje Triumphs Over Paddy Pimblett by Unanimous Decision
UFC 324 witnessed Justin Gaethje achieving a remarkable victory over Paddy Pimblett, securing the interim lightweight title by unanimous decision. This event unfolded on Saturday night in Las Vegas and raised questions about Gaethje’s future in the sport.
Gaethje’s Performance in UFC 324
From the opening bell, Justin Gaethje displayed aggressive tactics against Paddy Pimblett. His strategy proved effective, as he earned a unanimous decision victory with the judges scoring the fight 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46 in his favor. The Associated Press also scored the bout 48-47 for Gaethje. This victory improved his professional record to 27 wins and 5 losses.
- Fight Details:
- Gaethje started strong, landing a series of punches early in the match.
- He achieved three takedowns on Pimblett during the second round.
- Pimblett managed to recover in the third round, despite sustaining damage.
Paddy Pimblett’s Response
Paddy Pimblett, whose record now stands at 23 wins and 4 losses, was a -250 favorite going into the match. After the fight, he expressed admiration for Gaethje, acknowledging his legacy within the UFC. “For me, it’s the idea of someone I’ve loved watching growing up,” Pimblett stated.
Co-Main Event Highlights
The co-main event featured a fierce battle between Sean O’Malley and Song Yadong. O’Malley secured a unanimous decision victory, with all judges scoring the fight 29-28. This fight showcased O’Malley’s resilience despite facing adversity earlier in the match.
Event Success and Future Outlook
UFC CEO Dana White remarked on the promising Paramount+ viewership. He noted that the early results surpassed expectations, indicating a positive outlook for the partnership between the UFC and Paramount over the next seven years.
Challenges Leading Up to the Event
Leading up to UFC 324, the card faced numerous challenges:
- Ilia Topuria took a leave of absence, impacting the main event lineup.
- Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway are scheduled to fight at UFC 326.
- Kayla Harrison withdrew from a highly anticipated bout against Amanda Nunes due to neck surgery.
- Cameron Smotherman collapsed after the weigh-in, leading to match cancellation.
- Concerns over betting integrity led to the removal of another fight from the card.
Despite these setbacks, UFC 324 provided an exciting clash between Gaethje and Pimblett. Their battle not only entertained fans but also set the stage for future events in the UFC.
