TLDR
- Justin Gaethje won the interim lightweight championship against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in Las Vegas
- Gaethje expressed strong feelings about representing America after his victory
- He said he would not miss the UFC’s planned White House card in June
- Gaethje earned $100,000 for Fight of the Night, bringing his career bonus total to $1 million
- At 37 years old, Gaethje became the oldest fighter ever to hold the lightweight championship
Sources: ESPN | Bloody Elbow | Sherdog
Justin Gaethje opened up about his love for representing the United States after winning the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 on January 24-25 in Las Vegas. Following his five-round decision victory over British fighter Paddy Pimblett, the American veteran made his feelings about national pride clear.
Gaethje told reporters after the fight that his performance honored the country. He said there was no chance he would miss the UFC’s planned White House card scheduled for June.
The 37-year-old fighter became the oldest person ever to hold a championship at 155 pounds. This marks his second time winning an interim lightweight title.
Fight Night Performance and Bonuses
Gaethje dominated the fight from the opening round. He dropped Pimblett three times throughout the five-round battle and landed strikes consistently.
The victory earned Gaethje the Fight of the Night bonus. Under new UFC rules starting with UFC 324, the bonus payment doubled from $50,000 to $100,000.
This bonus pushed Gaethje’s career total to $1 million in performance bonuses. The UFC also introduced a new early finish bonus of $25,000 for any fighter who stops their opponent before the final bell.
Pimblett showed heart by surviving multiple knockdowns and continuing to fight. He landed his own strikes throughout the contest but could not match Gaethje’s power.
Many observers questioned Pimblett’s game plan before the fight. He had told reporters in December that he would try to knock out Gaethje instead of using his grappling skills.
A Different Justin Gaethje
Gaethje showed a changed attitude compared to his first interim title win. When he won the interim belt the first time, he threw it on the ground in frustration.
This time, he was grateful and gracious. He thanked his parents and coaches in his post-fight interview.
Daniel Cormier, who was working at the event, praised Gaethje’s performance. He said Gaethje understood the assignment of putting on an exciting fight for fans watching on the UFC’s new broadcast partner, Paramount.
The event kicked off a new era for the UFC with its new television partnership. Viewership numbers were expected to break records for the promotion.
Gaethje pressured Pimblett from the start of the fight. He said all week that champions are pressure fighters and that he planned to push forward against the British contender.
Pimblett was taken to hospital after the fight, according to UFC president Dana White. White shared an image of Pimblett’s face showing the damage from the contest.
Gaethje told Cormier after the fight that he felt he clearly won. His striking power made the difference throughout all five rounds.
The new interim champion will likely face the winner of the upcoming fight between former champions Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway. That bout is scheduled for early March.
Five fights at UFC 324 ended via stoppage, meaning those fighters earned the new $25,000 early finish bonus on top of their regular pay.
