Paddy Pimblett: 'My ego got in the way' vs. Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett was out to prove a point vs. Justin Gaethje – and it cost him. Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was knocked down twice in a unanimous decision loss to Gaethje in their interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 in January.
The setback marked Pimblett's first in the octagon. Despite getting dropped multiple times, Pimblett insisted to stand and trade with Gaethje, which he admits was a mistake. "To be honest, with the last fight, I think a little bit of my ego got in the way," Pimblett said on his YouTube channel .
"I wanted to knock him out. I wanted to strike with him and show everyone I could strike. I wanted a war.
When you're trying to take him down in the fifth round after he bludgeoned you at the end of the second, it's quite hard. Back to fight IQ, back to the game plan, and not just swinging recklessly. " Pimblett is currently in camp gearing up for his next fight, which he hinted will be against Benoit Saint Denis after wearing a beret while holding a baguette in his hand.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Paddy Pimblett admits 'ego got in the way' vs. Justin Gaethje