Paddy Pimblett admits ego cost him against Justin Gaethje

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Paddy Pimblett has come out and said he didn’t stick to his game plan at UFC 324.

‘The Baddy’ lost by unanimous decision after a five-round striking battle with Justin Gaethje on January 24.

Some fans praised his resilience, while others were left questioning why the BJJ specialist chose not to use his grappling skills against the interim lightweight champion.

Paddy Pimblett admits game plan went out the window against Justin Gaethje

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Paddy Pimblett seems to have taken away some key lessons from his first loss in the UFC.

He has since promised a more disciplined approach when he makes his return.

“To be honest, with the last fight, I think a little bit of my ego got in the way,” Pimblett said on this 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.”

Paddy Pimblett’s next opponent might have already been revealed

Paddy Pimblett is expected to return later this year, although no opponent has been officially named yet.

But the 31-year-old has hinted he’ll be back in action at UFC 329, which takes place during International Fight Week in Las Vegas on July 11.

Lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis recently hinted that he could be Pimblett’s opponent for UFC 329.

Pimblett seemed to play along with the idea, posting a video where he’s seen wearing a beret, holding a baguette, and sporting a string of garlic around his neck. It was an obvious nod to the French fighter.