Home / Sports / Gaethje Shocks Pimblett for Interim Title
Gaethje Shocks Pimblett for Interim Title
25 Jan
Summary
- Justin Gaethje secured an upset unanimous decision victory for the interim lightweight title.
- Sean O'Malley defeated Song Yadong by unanimous decision in the co-main event.
- Multiple fight cancellations impacted UFC 324's lineup prior to the event.
Justin Gaethje seized the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324, defeating favored Paddy Pimblett via unanimous decision. Gaethje's relentless aggression from the outset, employing takedowns and significant strikes, earned him the judges' favor with scores of 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46. The win came as a significant upset, with Pimblett entering the fight as a considerable betting favorite.
In the bantamweight co-feature, Sean O'Malley claimed a unanimous decision victory over Song Yadong. Despite facing challenges, O'Malley rallied in the final round to secure the win on all scorecards. The event, which marked the first UFC card on Paramount+, experienced multiple disruptions leading up to fight night.
Several high-profile bouts were canceled, including a women's bantamweight clash featuring Amanda Nunes and Kayla Harrison due to Harrison's surgery. Additionally, fights involving Cameron Smotherman and a lightweight bout between Michael Johnson and Alexander Hernandez were also removed from the schedule, impacting the event's planned card.
