Paddy Pimblett blames ego for loss to Justin Gaethje: ‘I wanted to knock him out’

Paddy Pimblett thinks he didn’t fight to the best of his abilities against Justin Gaethje.

In January, Pimblett fought Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324, losing a decision in a 25-minute war, where Gaethje battered “The Baddy” for much of the bout. The loss was Pimblett’s first in the UFC, and after a few months off, the former Cage Warriors champion is back in camp and preparing for his return. And during his latest training camp video on YouTube, Pimblett opined about his loss to Gaethje, blaming himself for the setback.

“I had a perfect camp for the last fight, and that never went perfect in the cage, did it?” Pimblett said. “So, I think getting back to having a little bit of a mad, disruptive fight camp, when I had me best fights. Bobby Green and Michael Chandler, both fight camps weren’t perfect, but everything ended up perfect when I got in the octagon.

“So, hopefully this is the same. I’ve got to show everyone why I deserved to get that title shot. Show everyone that I’m going to be getting another one in the near future.

“To be honest, with the last fight, I think it was a little bit of me ego got in the way. I wanted to knock him out. I wanted to strike with him and show everyone I can strike. I wanted a war. When you’re trying to take him down in the fifth round after he bludgeoned you at the end of the second, it’s quite hard.

“Back to Fight IQ. Back to the game plan and not just swinging recklessly.”

While Pimblett’s opponent and date have yet to be officially announced, “The Baddy” has said he’s planning to return at UFC 329 on July 11, the International Fight Week card, even teasing that his opponent will be Benoit Saint Denis. Gaethje, meanwhile, is set to unify his title with Ilia Topuria at UFC White House in June.

Whoever Pimblett does end up fighting, though, his goal remains the same: he wants another crack at the lightweight title, and preferably a shot to right his wrong against Gaejth.

“That’s what we want, lad. I hope he beats Ilia so I can fight him again,” Pimblett said. “That’s all I’m hoping for. He’s got a big ask, beating Ilia Topuria.”