“I Didn’t Even Cry” – Paddy Pimblett Reveals How His UFC 324 Loss to Justin Gaethje Was Different

Ever since Ilia Topuria lost to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, retiring on his stool at the finish of the fourth spherical, followers have began wanting at Paddy Pimblett’s own setback against the American in a totally different gentle.

For those unaware, Pimblett suffered his first UFC loss against Gaethje at UFC 324 in January 2026. The two fought for the interim light-weight title in the foremost occasion of the promotion’s first Paramount+ card.

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However, the bout was also surrounded by controversy, as a number of eye pokes and a low blow against Pimblett sparked debate over the referee’s resolution not to deduct a level. Two judges finally scored the battle 49-46 in Gaethje’s favor.

Pimblett has argued that stricter officiating could have resulted in a draw. However, the defeat stays on his MMA report. Nearly 10 months later, the Liverpudlian has opened up about how he dealt with the loss and why it affected him otherwise from his earlier setbacks.

Paddy Pimblett Reveals How His UFC 324 Setback Helped Him Grow

Pimblett’s loss to Gaethje has arguably aged higher following his spectacular comeback at UFC 329, where he submitted Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds. Looking back at UFC 324, the Englishman revealed that, for the first time in his profession, he did not cry after a defeat and instead accepted the consequence with his head held high.

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In a current interview with All Out Fighting, Pimblett was requested how the loss to Gaethje in contrast to the three other defeats he had suffered outside the UFC.

To this, Pimblett said, “You know what’s crazy? It affected me less than the other fights that I’ve lost in the past. When I lost when I was 18, 22, and 23, they affected my mental health terribly. When I lost this one, I didn’t even cry.”

He added, “Every other fight that I’ve lost, I sat in my room and cried my eyes out for days. This one I never (cried).”

Pimblett admitted that the defeat was something he needed to expertise to become a higher fighter, and he believes he has already taken the proper steps ahead. He added, “This one, I just knew it was growth. I knew I needed that to get better, and that’s what I’ve done.”