Paddy Pimblett fell to defeat at UFC 324, but still showed his class with a post-fight message, including a moment to pay tribute to those that have been near and dear to him.
Paddy Pimblett interviewed by Joe Rogan after his UFC clash against Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett interviewed by Joe Rogan after his UFC clash against Justin Gaethje(Image: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
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Paddy Pimblett has paid tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva, following his defeat at UFC 324 to American fighter Justin Gaethje. The 'Baddy', who comes from Liverpool, is a fan of the Reds and has made clear his support for the club that has driven him forward alongside his fighting career.
The 31-year-old received messages from the likes of Jurgen Klopp and Steven Gerrard before his latest fight, wishing him well for the bout. While he threw everything at it, the star wasn't able to overcome Gaethje, losing via decision after a five-round encounter.
With the bout ending in defeat, Pimblett still took the time to speak up about some things close to his heart, including discussions surrounding mental health.
He started off by paying tribute to a close friend and his family, when he said: "Can I say a few things, though? Just a few things I wanted to say, it would've been better if I won like, but, my friend's mother, Liam Gittins, like my little brother in the gym, Julie Gittins, his mum passed away a couple of months ago, so I want to dedicate that to him."
Pimblett added how he advocates for support on men's mental health, after losing two close friends since his last fight, before he added a tribute for Liverpool star Diogo Jota and his brother, Andre Silva, who tragically passed away in a car crash last year.
He added: "Obviously, I'm a Liverpool fan, and I know there'll be loads of Liverpool fans here, there's a Liverpool legend what passed away in the past few months, Diogo Jota, and his brother Andre, so I'd like to dedicate that performance to them, even though I didn't win."
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Jota remains firmly in the minds of those associated with Liverpool, with tributes such as his chant sung on the 20th minute of matches, correlating to his shirt number at the club, as well as his place in the dressing room still remaining.
While Pimblett appeared downbeat that he couldn't have held a title to show his dedication towards those he mentioned, it was a touching moment that had plenty of supporters on social media applauding the interview.
The 31-year-old had some kind words for Gaethje as well, when he gave praise to the performance of his opponent in the match that ultimately went in his favour.
“"I wanted to be walking away with that belt," Pimblett said. "And I know how tough I am anyway. I don't need to prove it to anyone. I wanted to leave with that belt," he said in his immediate reaction to the fight.
"But there's no man I'd rather lose to than 'The Highlight', someone I grew up watching. It shows why he's a legend, right there. I thought 48-47 was a fair scorecard.
"I'm not gonna lie, he hit me with a body shot in that first round, hit me right in the solar plexus, and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up until that point. I’m 31, you haven’t seen the last of me."
Gaethje ultimately won the fight with a scorecard that read: 48-47, 49-46, 49-46. While he made history as the first two-time interim champion at UFC 324, the American still took time to give his own words of praise towards Pimblett for the toughness he had on display.
"Scousers cannot get knocked out! This Scouser does not get knocked out. What a f***ing gangster," he said. "I knew that I had to put him on his back foot.
"He's very dangerous and has great timing. I had to work really hard, but champions move forward, and I just showed you why that is a must."