Sports
Paddy Pimblett ‘Knocked Out’ in Charity Boxing Match
Just weeks before he faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title, UFC star Paddy Pimblett has suffered a ‘knockout’ defeat, with the footage quickly going viral.
The Liverpudlian fighter returns to the Octagon in the main event of UFC 324 on the 24th of January, where he’ll receive his first opportunity at UFC gold against American fan favourite Gaethje. Pimblett had been eyeing a spot at full champion Ilia Topuria.
However, with ‘El Matador’ confirming that he would be stepping away from the sport, Paddy must settle for a crack at the interim belt. He will be bidding to make a blockbuster start to 2026, coming off the back of a dominant victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in Miami.
While ‘The Baddy’ may be undefeated in the UFC since making his debut in 2021, he was no match for George Goetzee. The two went toe-to-toe on Wednesday, at Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, during a charity boxing show staged by No Limits gym in Liverpool.
Who was Paddy Pimblett Knocked Out By?
Goetzee, who goes by ‘the real GGG’ in a nod to Gennady Golovkin, is a down syndrome boxer who is part of the ‘disability boxing squad’ created to promote inclusion for individuals with learning difficulties, autism, cerebral palsy and more.
The squad was set up in 2017 by Derry Mathews, former WBA interim lightweight champion, after he became an early scalp on the GGG’s illustrious fight record.
This time it was Pimblett’s turn as the UFC fighter playfully received jabs from Goetzee, backing up onto the ropes, before tumbling down to a right-hand and parading his opponent round the ring in heartwarming post-match celebrations.
‘The Baddy’ may be a polarizing fighter, but the selfless manner in which he conducted himself in the charity bout would force a smile out of his most staunch critic.
Pimblett now turns his attention to Gaethje in his first-ever UFC main event, headlining a stacked card that launches the new era of events on Paramount as part of a massive $7.7 billion deal.
The winner of the bout will fight Topuria to unify the division. Known for his dramatic weight cuts, it is no secret that Paddy likes to indulge himself outside of camp. However, he must make the 155-pound championship weight before his clash with Gaethje can be made official.
The 30-year-old, though, is confident he will make the weight. He told UFC Europe: It’s going to ruin my Christmas dinner and my birthday, because I’m 31, three weeks before it.
“But it’s all going to be worth it when I lift that real title above my head and Paddy ‘The Baddy’ is a world champion. 2026 is going to be the biggest year of my life.”
