Justin Gaethje became a two-time UFC interim lightweight champion at UFC 324. Gaethje made an ultimatum to the promotion that he would retire if his next fight wasn’t for a belt.
Justin Gaethje became a two-time UFC interim lightweight champion at UFC 324.
Gaethje made an ultimatum to the promotion that he would retire if his next fight wasn’t for a belt.
After being granted his wish due to the creation of an interim title, ‘The Highlight’ was honest about January 24 potentially being his final bout inside the Octagon.
On Saturday night, Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to show that arguably the most exciting fighter in UFC history isn’t going anywhere just yet.
‘The Highlight’ even said that he surprised himself when reacting to another clash that enters into his long list of great fights.
Justin Gaethje didn’t believe his coaches when they said Paddy Pimblett wouldn’t be anything ‘crazy special’
Ilia Topuria wasn’t impressed by the main event of UFC 324 that decided who he will face when he returns to the Octagon in the coming months.
Paddy Pimblett took plenty of heat in defeat, but some gave him credit for lasting until the final bell.
Even Joe Rogan chimed in, joking that Pimblett’s chin should be studied after taking so many heavy shots from one of the division’s most powerful hitters.
When asked if he was surprised that ‘The Baddy’ managed to go the distance with him, Gaethje admitted it was more about how well he performed than what Pimblett brought to the table.
The former interim champion addressed this during a conversation on Paramount+ after his win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324.
“My coaches told me he’s not going to be anything crazy special and I didn’t believe it,” he reflected. “I tell myself he’s going to be the best person I’ve ever fought constantly to get ready for these fights and these opportunities, but I can say I was surprised that I was so successful.”
Justin Gaethje offered respect to Paddy Pimblett after his first defeat in the UFC
There was a big difference in high-level experience between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett going into this fight.
Gaethje has been fighting top competition in the lightweight division for years, while Pimblett was still relatively new to this level of opposition.
After the win, Gaethje recognised what Pimblett went through by comparing it to his own early career setbacks.
“He’s everything that a UFC fighter is,” he said. “I was just right where he was not too long ago and this is just such a crazy sport.”
Category: General Sports
