paddy vs gaethje how many rounds

Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje went the full five rounds at UFC 324.

This thrilling lightweight interim title fight unfolded last night, January 24, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, captivating fans with non-stop action over 25 minutes.

Fight Outcome

Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision with judges' scorecards reading 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46.

Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title—his second time holding it—after dropping Pimblett multiple times amid a war of attrition.

Pimblett, undefeated at 7-0 in the UFC entering the bout, showed incredible heart but couldn't overcome Gaethje's power and experience.

Round-by-Round Highlights

• Round 1 : Frenzied exchanges saw Gaethje drop Pimblett by the fence; an eye poke halted action briefly, but Pimblett rallied with clean strikes.

• Round 2 : Swelling built around Pimblett's right eye after another drop—replays confirmed a second eye poke, though no point deduction followed; Gaethje faced a low blow complaint.

• Round 3 : Pimblett, bloodied, appeared to edge it with volume striking per stats, pushing for takedowns his corner desperately urged.

• Round 4 : Gaethje's third knockdown put Pimblett on the back foot, though the Brit responded with a late flurry amid sloppy chaos.

• Round 5 : A frantic finish with Pimblett hunting a takedown and knockout, but Gaethje's damage proved decisive as the buzzer sounded.

Trending Reactions

Fans and pundits hailed it as an instant classic, with Gaethje's knockout threat vs. Pimblett's submission game delivering despite no finish.

Post-fight, Pimblett vowed "you haven't seen the last of me," while Gaethje praised his foe's legendary chin: "Scousers do not get knocked out!"

Reddit's r/MMA buzzed about Pimblett's heart, with some noting Gaethje could've stopped him but didn't press finishes.

Paddy on scorecard : "I thought 48-47 was fair... that body shot in round one got me."

TL;DR : Gaethje outlasted Pimblett in a five-round bloodbath , winning interim gold via UD in one of UFC 324's most talked-about bouts.

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