Justin Gaethje ruined the UFC’s plan once more by securing the interim lightweight gold after a five-round brutal striking war with Paddy Pimblett in the main event at UFC 324.
From Round 1, Gaethje did as he planned and walked into the fire. With constant forward pressure, ‘The Highlight’ pieced up ‘The Baddy’ and dropped him multiple times.
While the Scouser avoided getting knocked out, fans were reminded of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s famous line that Justin Gaethje “hits like a truck.”
Meanwhile, Pimblett tried to piece up Justin Gaethje’s left leg and landed some uppercuts that did not bother the 37-year-old much.
Gaethje dog-walked Pimblett for five rounds, never taking a step back and consistently landing the more damaging shots. Although the Brit showed brief flashes of momentum in Round 5, it was not enough to change the outcome. Gaethje ultimately secured a unanimous decision victory and captured the interim UFC 155-pound championship.
Both fighters put on one of the best fights to date to kickstart the UFC on Paramount+ era.
MMA World reacts to Justin Gaethje dismantling Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324
Henry Cejudo posted on X, lauding Justin Gaethje:
“One of the greatest fights of all-time. Justin Gaethje #ANDNEW #UFC324
P4P king Islam Makhachev posted:
“What was brought on a platter turned out to be inedible #ufc324.”
BMF champ Max Holloway wrote:
“What a fight! What a treat for @paramountplus New fans loading! #UFC324”
Dustin Poirier lauded Paddy Pimblett for his courage, despite the loss:
“Welcome to the big leagues, Patrick! 1 up for the Legends #UFC324”
Dillon Danis quipped:
“Said it from the beginning. Paddy Pimblett fu**ing sucks. UFC manufactured hype train exposed 😂”
Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan did not leave the opportunity to pounce on Pimblett, who was fast-tracked to a title shot instead of the former. The number one UFC lightweight contender wrote:
“That’s what happens when you’re gifted opportunities and pushed up the rankings artificially, a completely undeserved title shot for Paddy. Congratulations to Justin. He showed real heart, and unlike others, he’ll step up and take the fight with me. Respect”
Jiří Procházka congratulated ‘The Highlight.’
“Congratulations to @Justin_Gaethje But strong performance from both. Heavy in movement, big punches, no precision, just pure hard work, and keep going through punches. Sometimes is fight like that, and Gaethje is in this much better. Tough Victory 🙏”
Tristan Tate showed support for Paddy Pimblett:
“Paddy is still a baddy. Tough northern bast*rd. Chin up @PaddyTheBaddy. Inspirational performance.”
Caoch Tim Welch thinks Pimblett vaping before UFC 324 affected his gas tank:
“Paddy was hitting fat clouds out of his vape pen before weighing; that has to affect his gas tank. #UFC324”
Cody Garbrandt posted on X:
“Just a good ole fashion brawl!! @ufc”
Meanwhile, Belal Muhammad also reacted to the UFC 324 main event.
“Paddy is not used to these dogfights. Justin lives in these.”
Lerone Murphy commended Pimblett’s toughness:
“Paddy is a warrior!!!”
Renato Moicano also had similar sentiments:
“Paddy is tough!!”
Khabib Nurmagomedov also congratulated ‘The Highlight.
“@Justin_Gaethje absolutely legend, my congratulations 👏👏👏 What a fight 👏 And don’t forget Justin is almost 38 years old.”