Paddy Pimblett missed the opportunity to set up a long-anticipated grudge match with Ilia Topuria after losing his bid for interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on May 13, 2024, in Las Vegas. The Liverpudlian fighter fell to Justin Gaethje by judges’ decision, effectively putting Topuria’s awaited showdown with Pimblett on hold as Gaethje now moves closer to unifying the belts.
Details of the UFC 324 main event battle
In a grueling five-round contest at the T-Mobile Arena, Pimblett, 31, was edged out by Gaethje with scores of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. This marked Pimblett’s first defeat since joining the UFC and halted his momentum toward becoming interim lightweight champion. The result means that Gaethje will advance as the next contender to face reigning lightweight king Ilia Topuria.
Topuria mocks Pimblett on social media
Following the fight, Ilia Topuria, known as El Matador, took to X (formerly Twitter) to taunt Pimblett about missing out on a major payday. Topuria referenced Pimblett’s lost chance at a significant victory against an older opponent and the financial rewards that would have followed:
Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38-year-old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won.
— Ilia Topuria
Background of rivalry and past confrontations
The animosity between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to 2022, when the two fighters clashed at a hotel ahead of UFC London. The dispute originated from Pimblett’s alleged anti-Georgian tweets, which offended Topuria, who is of Spanish and Georgian descent. The confrontation escalated when Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitiser at Topuria, intensifying fan interest in a potential fight. However, circumstances now delay any showdown between these rivals.
Topuria’s comments on Gaethje and his own UFC legacy
After the fight, Topuria shifted attention to congratulating Gaethje, but also issued a stern warning to the 38-year-old contender:
Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what,
— Ilia Topuria
Topuria is regarded as a “legend killer” within the UFC, having defeated former featherweight champions Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. He claimed the lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira earlier this year, establishing himself as a dominant force in two weight divisions. With Gaethje poised to unify the lightweight belts, he faces an uphill battle to avoid becoming Topuria’s next victim.
Pimblett vows to return stronger after setback
Despite suffering his first UFC loss, Pimblett remains determined to rebuild his path to the title. In his post-fight interview, he promised fans the rivalry and his rise are far from over:
you haven’t seen the last of me
— Paddy Pimblett
In the wake of this defeat, Pimblett will likely focus on regrouping and working back into the championship conversation, although the timing for a clash with Topuria remains uncertain.
Significance of the fight outcome and future prospects
Pimblett’s loss not only postpones one of UFC’s most eagerly awaited rivalries but also reinforces Ilia Topuria’s growing dominance in lightweight and featherweight divisions. With Gaethje advancing, fans anticipate a high-stakes unification bout, possibly marking the twilight of Gaethje’s career. Meanwhile, Pimblett’s setbacks underscore the unforgiving nature of elite competition and the challenge of reclaiming a title shot.
The landscape of the lightweight division is rapidly evolving, and how each fighter navigates these crossroads will shape UFC’s future title hierarchy and rivalries between top contenders like Topuria and Pimblett.
Little sausage, the only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old guy. You just lost the biggest paycheck of your life. You were going to get rich if you won. Justin, all I can say is congratulations… and I’d like to tell you to get ready, but you’re screwed no matter what.
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) January 25, 2026
