Paddy Pimblett makes admission after Justin Gaethje defeat, aims for rematch - 'My ego got in the way'

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Paddy Pimblett has claimed that his ”ego got in the way” during his UFC 324 title defeat to Justin Gaethje in January.

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He is now aiming to recalibrate his approach to fighting with an appearance mooted for a date this summer.

The British fighter took on experienced American Gaethje for the interim lightweight title but lost the bout on points.

The defeat in Las Vegas saw Pimblett struggle as he suffered his first defeat in the franchise, one that brought a nine-victory streak to a close.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 31-year-old said that he had not had the correct mentality for the clash and also believed that he employed the wrong tactics against Gaethje in the cage.

It was the first loss of Pimblett's UFC career and ended a nine-fight winning streak.

"I think it was a little bit of my ego got in the way," Pimblett said. "I wanted to knock him out. I wanted to show everyone I can strike. I wanted a war.

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"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.

Pimblett suggested he would take a new approach for future fights, adding: "Back to fight IQ. Back to the gameplan and not just swinging recklessly."

Pimblett is traditionally known for his wrestling and grappling skills but, despite attempting to dominate with his striking, he threw just 170 compared to his opponent’s 200.

The fight was largely fought on feet rather than on the canvas, something which may not have suited Pimblett.

Gaethje’s next fight will be at UFC White House, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 14.

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Pimblett hopes to return the following month at UFC 329 on the evening of Saturday, July 11 in Las Vegas.

It is reported that the leading contender to take him on is France’s Benoit Saint-Denis.

Regardless, Pimblett is eyeing an eventual rematch with Gaethje down the line.

"I've got to show everyone why I deserved to get that title shot, show everyone that I'm going to be getting another one in the near future," Pimblett continued.

"I hope [Justin] beats Ilia so I can fight him again. That's all I'm hoping for. He's got a big ask, beating Ilia Topuria."

Next up for the UFC is the Fight Night card at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, as the franchise holds an event outside the United States.

The lead event is headlined by a welterweight clash. Jack Della Maddalena will come up against Carlos Prates, with a co-main event between Beneil Dariush and Quillan Salkilld, shown live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

UFC 328 follows, with a huge fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Sean Strickland for the middleweight title.

Which UFC fights are available on TNT Sports?

TNT Sports will bring you live coverage of every UFC card from across the USA and beyond.

For the latest information on UFC fights on TNT Sports, click here.

Here is a list of confirmed events that are set to be showcased. All events can be re-watched on the streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK, HBO Max.

A select number of events will be on TNT Sports Box Office.

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