AFTER Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett shared five glorious rounds for the interim lightweight title, it was all respect inside the octagon.
Pimblett had no problem applauding Gaethje as the decision was announced and the American praised his Scouse counterpart in his post-fight interview.
But at the post-UFC 324 press conference, the now-interim champ had revealed what he told Pimblett immediately at the final bell.
He said: “Look at your face, motherf*****.”
Pimblett’s face certainly painted the picture. The 31-year-old had been in a war and had to eat shots to try and get close to the ever-dangerous Gaethje.
Pimblett was immediately rushed to hospital after the fight as blood kept pouring from a wound around his left eye.
Gaethje got the decision 48–47, 49–46, 49–46 and his two knockdowns made life hard for the resilient Pimblett.
The fact that the Brit was unable to take Gaethje down and negate his stand up prowess also hurt Pimblett’s chances. He shot for five takedowns and didn’t succeed with any of them.
Despite all the damage written all over Pimblett’s face, Gaethje praised his steel after their war, acknowledging the Brit’s previous claim.
Gaethje said: “Paddy is right – Scousers do not get knocked out!”
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Pimblett was on a nine-fight winning streak before falling at the final hurdle in Las Vegas.
But the Liverpudlian is up for fighting his way back to this position again and has no intention of going away.
Pimblett said: “You live and you learn; I’m 31, I will be back better. You haven’t seen the last of me.
“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.”
The fighters received the Fight of the Night bonus from UFC president Dana White, netting them $100,000 each.