‘I know how Jared Gordon felt’: Paddy Pimblett reacts after rewatching loss to Justin Gaethje
MMA Fighting
February 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Paddy Pimblett recently rewatched his first UFC title fight against Justin Gaethje, where he was defeated via unanimous decision for the interim lightweight championship. Reflecting on the bout, Pimblett expressed frustration over a pivotal moment in Round 2 when Gaethje poked him in the eye, leading to a knockdown that shifted the momentum of the fight. He argued that if the referee had deducted a point for this foul, the outcome might have been different, potentially resulting in a draw. Pimblett also questioned the judges' scoring, claiming he deserved credit for winning Rounds 3 and 5, while Gaethje dominated Rounds 1 and 2.
The fight, held at UFC 324, saw Gaethje dominate large portions of the contest with his high-energy striking, though Pimblett showcased his toughness and skill in securing a few key moments. Despite the loss, Pimblett was humbled by Gaethje's post-fight praise, calling him a "warrior" and even a "gangster." This sentiment resonated deeply with Pimblett, who had previously experienced controversy himself when he won a close decision over Jared Gordon at UFC 282. That victory sparked backlash from fans and critics, leading to comparisons between his own post-fight frustrations and those of others in similar situations.
Pimblett's journey to the title fight was marked by impressive wins over Tony Ferguson, King Green, and Michael Chandler, earning him a well-deserved shot at Gaethje. However, he acknowledged that the scorecards were unlikely to favor him, as evidenced by his infamous "Don’t know" gesture during the fight.
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/22/2026