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Justin Gaethje Defeats Paddy Pimblett to Win Interim Lightweight Title, Sets Sights on Topuria

The veteran’s five-round decision on the UFC’s Paramount+ debut positions him for a unification bout with champion Ilia Topuria.

Overview

  • Gaethje won by unanimous decision after five rounds, with official scores of 49-46, 49-46 and 48-47 from judges Derek Cleary, Sal D’Amato and Mike Bell.
  • Pimblett was knocked down multiple times yet went the distance, with Bell the lone judge to give him the final round on the released scorecards.
  • Gaethje said he aims to fight on the UFC’s June White House card in a potential unification bout, while Topuria mocked Pimblett and warned Gaethje on social media.
  • Gaethje explained he largely shelved his trademark leg kicks to avoid giving Pimblett easy takedown opportunities, crediting a strategy set by coach Trevor Wittman.
  • Gaethje and Pimblett earned $100,000 bonuses under the UFC’s new payout structure, and Dana White confirmed referee Mark Smith tore his ACL during the prelims.