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Ilia Topuria has reacted to Paddy Pimblett’s performance at UFC 324 against Justin Gaethje. Earlier tonight, Pimblett and Gaethje locked horns for the interim lightweight championship. This five-rounder headlined the first numbered event of the year, which also marked the UFC’s debut on Paramount+.
Despite being the underdog, the 37-year-old wasted no time proving the oddsmakers wrong. For Round 1, he landed the better shots, took numerous risks, and with constant forward pressure, started piecing up his British foe.
‘The Baddy’ had very few answers for Gaethje’s elite striking.
While attempting leg kicks, Pimblett appeared to have compromised his own movement, which rather limited his offense.
Gaethje bloodied up Pimblett, and after five rounds of constant back-and-forth, ‘The Highlight’ cruised to a unanimous decision win and became a two-time interim UFC lightweight champion. He also handed the 31-year-old his first loss in the UFC.
Justin Gaethje will now face champion Ilia Topuria later this year to unify the titles. Topuria, however, wanted to face Paddy Pimblett, as the two have shared bad blood since the inception of their UFC careers, and wanted to settle it inside the octagon. However, ‘El Matador’ won’t get that grudge match anytime soon, as ‘The Highlight’ has pulled a major upset and not only spoiled ‘The Baddy’ and the UFC’s plan but also Topuria’s.
After Pimblett’s UFC 324 loss, Topuria took to X and mocked the Brit:
“Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38-year-old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won.”
He also had a message for his future opponent.
“Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what.”
Arman Tsarukyan also mocked Paddy Pimblett after UFC 324 loss
Top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan wasted no time firing a jab at Paddy Pimblett. He already considered Pimblett undeserving of a title shot, and after ‘The Baddy’ lost tonight to Justin Gaethje, ‘Ahalkalakets’ pointed that out again. He posted on X:
“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.”
