TLDR
- Daniel Cormier praised Justin Gaethje for delivering an exciting performance at UFC 324 on Paramount’s debut broadcast
- Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to win the interim UFC lightweight championship
- Cormier said Gaethje ‘understood the assignment’ to impress new fans watching on the new platform
- A first-round body shot to Pimblett’s solar plexus proved pivotal in the fight
- Pimblett called the 48-47 scorecard fair and expressed respect for Gaethje despite the loss
Sources: Home of Fight | MMA Fighting | Sherdog
Daniel Cormier praised Justin Gaethje’s performance at UFC 324, saying the fighter delivered exactly what the promotion needed for its debut on Paramount. The former two-division champion explained that Gaethje seemed fully aware of the responsibility to impress new viewers watching on the broadcast platform.
“It was almost like he understood the assignment. We are on Paramount, this is a new platform,” Cormier stated during the post-event discussion. “There gonna be new fans, we need to introduce them to what the UFC is.”
Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to capture the interim UFC lightweight championship at the event held in Las Vegas. The fight showcased Gaethje’s trademark aggressive style, with relentless pressure and heavy exchanges from the opening bell.
Cormier, who previously worked for ESPN before the UFC’s move to Paramount, emphasized that marquee fighters now carry extra responsibility. They need to deliver memorable performances for first-time viewers discovering the sport on the new platform.
Gaethje’s Controlled Aggression Takes Over
Known as “The Highlight” for his action-packed fighting style, Gaethje pushed the pace throughout the contest. He refused to take backward steps and maintained constant pressure on his opponent while showing improved defensive awareness.
Pimblett absorbed heavy punishment during the fight, particularly a body shot to the solar plexus in the first round. The 31-year-old British fighter acknowledged the damage after the bout ended.
“I thought 48-47 was a fair scorecard,” Pimblett said in his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan. “I’m not going to lie, he hit me with a body shot in that first round. He hit me right in the solar plexus, and it got me.”
Despite the loss, Pimblett showed respect for his opponent and expressed no regrets about the outcome. “There’s no other man I would rather lose to than ‘The Highlight,'” he said. “Justin Gaethje is someone I’ve loved watching growing up watching the UFC. It shows why he’s a legend right there.”
Pimblett Accepts Defeat and Plans Return
Pimblett believed he was winning the first round until Gaethje landed the decisive body shot. The defeat marked the biggest setback of his UFC career, but he remained optimistic about his future.
“I wanted to leave with that belt, but you live and you learn,” Pimblett explained. “I’m 31. I’ll be back better. It’s as simple as that. You haven’t seen the last of me.”
Cormier retired from UFC competition in 2020 but continues to provide analysis of major events. He has previously commented on modern fighters and the current state of various weight divisions.
Dana White confirmed after UFC 324 that the event exceeded Paramount’s expectations for the debut broadcast. The performance by Gaethje helped solidify his reputation as a highlight reel fighter who consistently delivers entertaining bouts.
The victory positions Gaethje for a potential title shot against Ilia Topuria. Pimblett will need time to recover from the punishment he endured before planning his next move in the lightweight division.
