Paddy Pimblett has disclosed an injury he suffered during his unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 last month, while expressing optimism about returning to competition later this summer. The Liverpool-based fighter believes he sustained a scratched cornea amid the intense bout that marked his first attempt at UFC lightweight gold.
Background on Pimblett’s UFC Title Challenge and Fight Outcome
Rapidly ascending the lightweight rankings, Pimblett earned a title shot at UFC 324, an event notable as the UFC’s first major card under its new $7.7 billion deal with Paramount. Known as the ‘Baddy,’ the 31-year-old Liverpudlian showcased moments of sharp skill but was knocked down twice in the opening rounds by Gaethje. Despite a valiant effort, Pimblett ultimately fell short, losing by unanimous decision and missing the chance to become Britain’s fourth UFC champion.
After the fight, Pimblett was hospitalized but later appeared at a post-fight celebration held at Zouk Nightclub in Resorts World Las Vegas. His recovery was visibly marked by severe bruising and black eyes, as shared by his wife Laura through photographs distributed days later.
Pimblett’s First Injury Update Since UFC 324
Although Pimblett addressed his defeat soon after the event, he recently provided a more detailed injury update during a video on his YouTube channel. He admitted,
“The one thing that has made me laugh, though, I did say before the fight, I want to make his face look different,”
and added,
“And for a couple of days, he made my face look different! I had big shiners,”
noting how the worst of the swelling and bruising emerged the day after the fight. In his update, Pimblett reassured fans about his recovery progress:
“I had big puffy eyes, but as you can see now, it’s a week later, there’s nothing wrong with me. The only thing that’s up with me is I’ve probably got a scratched cornea here. But I’ll be back in the gym tomorrow [February 2], I’ll be back training. People think I’m going to have to take the rest of the year off – I’m not. I’ll be fighting in the summer.”
Monitoring Future Opponents After UFC 325 in Sydney
With his focus set on a return this summer, Pimblett has been closely watching recent UFC events, including UFC 325 held in Sydney. The event featured notable lightweight clashes, starting off with striking experts Mauricio Ruffy and Rafael Fiziev, where Ruffy secured a knockout victory in the second round. However, Pimblett’s interest centered more on the co-main event, where Benoit Saint Denis knocked out Dan Hooker in the second round.
This victory by Saint Denis positions the French fighter as a possible next adversary for Pimblett, adding a compelling dynamic to the lightweight division. The ‘Baddy,’ known for his sharp fighting style and strong following from Liverpool, may soon face Saint Denis if the matchup is confirmed.
Significance of Pimblett’s Injury and Prospects for His Return
Pimblett’s update provides clarity on the severity of the injury sustained during a high-stakes UFC fight, underscoring the physical toll such bouts can take on fighters at the elite level. His commitment to return to the gym promptly and target a fight later in the year signals resilience and determination to remain a contender within the UFC’s lightweight class.
Following the setback against Gaethje, Pimblett’s ability to recover quickly and maintain momentum will be crucial in his pursuit of UFC gold. With top contenders like Benoit Saint Denis emerging, the lightweight division continues to offer challenging matchups that could define Pimblett’s career trajectory moving forward.
