Paddy Pimblett Losing at UFC 324 is ‘Good Thing’, Claims Jorge Masvidal

UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal talks about Paddy Pimblett's loss to Justin Gaethje last Saturday in the interim title match.

Paddy Pimblett Losing at UFC 324 is ‘Good Thing’, Claims Jorge Masvidal

Jorge Masvidal talks about Paddy Pimblett's loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 (via X)

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Last Saturday, Paddy Pimblett went against Justin Gaethje in a much-anticipated lightweight interim title clash. Going into the bout, the Scouser made several promises but ultimately fell short against the experienced veteran inside the Octagon. Gaethje dominated the fight with his striking and won via unanimous decision, securing his second interim championship win.

Now, Gaethje is lined up to fight current champion Ilia Topuria next for the undisputed lightweight title. As for Paddy Pimblett, the fighter will have to go back to the drawing board to reassess his performance. However, according to UFC veteran Jorge Masvidal, Pimblett losing at UFC 325 was a blessing in disguise.

It’s a good thing Paddy didn’t win, because if he did, he was going to get torched by Ilia. Both these guys are just levels below Ilia, and that fight really showed it all – on the wrestling, on the striking, on the defense, the offense. I think Ilia is on a whole other planet when it comes to these guys, and hopefully they give him Justin Gaethje so he can get another guy and do him like a launcher, and he’s gonna fold him.

Jorge Masvidal via Deatherow MMA

The fight between Pimblett and Gaethje was an absolute brutal war, but it exposed technical inefficiencies of both fighters. Masvidal has trained closely with Ilia Topuria and understands how clinical ‘El Matador’ truly is with his striking. Any form of miscalculation can result in a knockout, as Topuria has shown time and time again in back-to-back fights.

Topuria is currently on a three-fight knockout streak, beating fighters such as Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira. Pimblett and Topuria had a nasty rivalry, and many fans believed it was the right fight to make, but following the loss, Topuria mocked the Scouser. Previously, the champion had mocked Gaethe as the easiest matchup, but now things might have changed. 

Him vs. Gaethje would definitely be an all out stand up fight, with the Georgian-Spanish being the fan favorite to win. Nevertheless, it would be interesting to see when these two superstars finally clash against each other. 

Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria to headline the UFC White House event?

The UFC White House event is shaping up as the most anticipated card of 2026, generating unprecedented excitement globally. UFC CEO Dana White has openly expressed his hype, repeatedly dropping hints about the massive scale of this historic event. According to reports, the blockbuster card could feature seven to eight title fights, making it one of the all-time deepest lineups.

Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria
Justin Gaethje vs. Ilia Topuria (via X)

Several superstars, including Alex Pereira, Jon Jones, and Conor McGregor, have already shared a strong interest in competing on the card. Reigning champion Ilia Topuria has also stated his desire to be involved, adding further intrigue to the potential matchups planned. 

With so many elite names circling the event, fans are already speculating about the possible main event. According to UFC veteran Henry Cejudo, Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje could headline the historic White House card event.

In the perfect picture, you’d want to fight Ilia, beat him at the White House while being an American. Now will that happen? 

Henry Cejudo via Pound 4 Pound Podcast 

Justin Gaethje is regarded as a patriotic American fighter and is reportedly ready to face Ilia Topuria at the White House event. However, a loss for Gaethje on such a historic stage may not present a good look, yet the UFC might not take that risk. Topuria has already begun training and is undeniably one of the biggest stars the UFC would not want missing this mega event.

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