UFC Fans Slam 'Inexcusable' Mistake Made During Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje

A potentially momentum-swinging moment during the UFC 324 main event between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje has become a big talking point, with many suggesting it was a costly mistake.

Gaethje was crowned the new UFC interim lightweight champion on Saturday night after the experienced American beat Pimblett via unanimous decision (48-46, 49-47, 49-47).

It was a thrilling start to the contest in Las Vegas, although an accidental eye poke on Pimblett in the opening stages halted momentum, with a ring doctor entering the octagon to check on the Liverpudlian.

Pimblett was deemed fit to continue and referee Marc Goddard warned Gaethje that a second eye poke would cost him a point.

But later on in the second round, Gaethje’s thumb got caught in Pimblett’s right eye before the American delivered a heavy right hook. “That’s crazy because that definitely compromised that eye,” said Joe Rogan on commentary.

As seen in the footage below, Pimblett closed his eye after the poke and, while he grimaced in pain, 'The Baddy' was taken down.

The incident at UFC 324 sparked plenty of reaction amongst fans on social media.

One said: "Inexcusable missed eye poke. Paddy Pimblett took on a ton of damage because of this when Gaethje should’ve lost a point."

A second wrote: "Whether it's intentional or not the eye poke by Gaethje on Pimblett (thumb in eye from closed fist as apposed to finger from an open hand) threw Paddy off his game, he immediately took severe damage while trying to recover - run it back."

A third commented: "Paddy got robbed. Blatant eye poke that not only compromised him for 2 rounds at least but also lead to him nearly going out cold. Should have definitely been one point off, if not 2 points off given he'd already been warned and the damage Paddy took as a result of it."

A fourth said: "There is a legitimate argument that if the ref takes a point for that 2nd eye poke, Paddy Pimblett becomes a champion," and a fifth added: "Not calling the eye poke changed the whole fight. Paddy got screwed."

Paddy Pimblett reacts to Gaethje defeat in humble post-fight interview

Speaking to Joe Rogan after the bout, Pimblett decided against mentioning the controversial eye poke incidents.

"You live and you learn; I'm 31, I will be back better. You haven't seen the last of me," he said. "I wanted to be walking away with that belt. I know how tough I am and I don't need to prove that to anyone.

"There is no man I'd rather lose to than [Gaethje]. He is someone I loved watching growing up and it shows why he is a legend.

"I think 48-47 was a fair scorecard. I won't lie, he hit me with a body shot in the first round and it got me. I thought I was winning the round up to that point."

Gaethje was full or praise for Pimblett in his interview. "Paddy is right - Scousers do not get knocked out," he said. "I knew I had to put him on his back foot. He is very dangerous and has great timing. I had to steal his momentum and confidence."