BEYOND THE BRAWL: HOW GAETHJE’S POWER PUNCHES EXPOSED PADDY PIMBLETT’S DEFENSIVE HOLES AT 324
Justin Gaethje is the new interim champ! Discover why his "bloody war" with Paddy Pimblett is splitting UFC fans and analysts.
“That Scouser just doesn’t go down. Seriously, what a fucking gangster,” Justin Gaethje said, catching his breath after the fight and staring at Paddy Pimblett with something like disbelief. They’d just gone through 25 minutes of madness—about 400 strikes thrown, guys hitting the canvas, pure chaos. It’s the kind of fight people will talk about for years, even if the critics have already started picking it apart.
UFC veterans and analysts are calling this one a straight-up slugfest. The UFC 324 main event didn’t just open the Paramount era—it exploded through the door with a wild brawl that’s tough to top. But if you’re looking for perfect technique or high-level skill, well, you’re not going to find it here. Honestly, for a fight that was supposed to set the standard, UFC 324 ended up more as a warning than an example.
Even Matt Brown, a legend in his own right, couldn’t help chiming in online. He summed it up with brutal honesty: “That was one of the most entertaining ‘championship’ fights I’ve ever seen, but I’ve seen better technique at local shows. No hate! I’m just saying!” He’s right—the fight kept everyone watching, but calling it championship-level? That’s a stretch.
Still, credit where it’s due. Pimblett and Gaethje left everything in the cage—heart, grit, wild exchanges. They never let up. But let’s be real: the fight was all about raw action, not polished craft. Early on, a brutal kick to the solar plexus sent Pimblett crashing down. He bounced back fast, hammering Gaethje with leg kicks and knees, but it felt like he didn’t really learn much from that scare. The whole thing was more mayhem than mastery.
When the second round started, Pimblett didn't adjust his approach much. He kept trading punches up close with little head movement. Gaethje took advantage of Pimblett's weak defence, finishing the round strong with some nasty elbows. An ignored eye poke on Pimblett by the referee didn't help, but Pimblett kept refusing to change his game plan.
Pimblett's refusal to grapple confused people. Gaethje was the only one getting takedowns, while Pimblett seemed determined to stay on his feet and strike.
Even Dana White questioned Pimblett's stubbornness. White said that it's admirable to be confident in your toughness, but at some point, you have to adapt if things aren't working; maybe try a takedown and submission.
Gaethje won, but the crowd seemed confused. It didn't feel like a well-deserved victory. Josh Barnett even said it felt like a prelim fight. It looks like it's not just the fighters who are raising an eyebrow at the match.
The fight was entertaining but not great.
For an interim title bout, the fight didn't seem very skilled. Both fighters just swung wildly, hoping for a lucky shot. Fans online were quick to point this out, wondering if the fighters lacked skills for the UFC's highest level.
One user wrote that the main event seemed low-level. Others agreed, saying it was entertaining but not very skilled. One said that it looked like a 2006 fight.
However, one fan said that the fight delivered what most fans wanted. “It was sloppy for sure, but the fan base doesn't care about technical skill. They want action.”
Another user preferred the striking battle to a grappling-heavy fight. “I'd rather watch that than people wrestling on the ground for 25 minutes without even trying to submit their opponent. This goes to every fighter and every nationality.
UFC 324's main event won't be remembered for elite skills. It'll be more of a reminder that chaos can be entertaining. But it doesn't usually lead to true championship excellence. Did the fight deliver what you wanted, or should an interim title bout require more than just heart and toughness? Let us know what you think.
LAKERS ON THE BRINK: LEBRON JAMES ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT AFTER 3-0 SERIES DEFICIT
"We still have life." LeBron James remains defiant despite a brutal 131-108 loss to OKC at the Crypto.com Arena on Saturday.
The Los Angeles Lakers find themselves just one loss away from elimination after a tough 131-108 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday night. Although the Lakers held a halftime lead for the second consecutive game, they again fell apart in the second half, allowing Oklahoma City to cruise to a 3-0 series lead.
LeBron James spoke after the game, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and relentless energy while emphasising that the Lakers still believe they have a chance to push the series further. The Thunder outscored Los Angeles 74-49 after halftime and once more dominated the third quarter, continuing a pattern that has largely defined this series.
“They’re solid from top to bottom,” James said after the game. “And they never take their foot off the gas.”
Oklahoma City converted at a 56 per cent clip and spread the scoring load, even though reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was only 7-of-20 from the field with 23 points. The Thunder’s supporting players reinforced the effort alongside Chet Holmgren, Ajay Mitchell, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso.
LeBron pointed directly to the third quarter as the turning point for Game 3.
“Obviously, the third quarter is where it starts,” he noted. “We lacked the energy and effort, and they dropped over 30 points on us.”
Despite strong first-half performances from Rui Hachimura and Luke Kennard, giving Los Angeles a one-point lead at halftime, Oklahoma City seized control right after the break, forcing turnovers and capitalising on easy transition baskets.
“In that third quarter, we couldn’t hit shots,” James admitted. “We defended but didn’t get stops, which let them take control.”
The Lakers were outscored 33-20 in that quarter alone. James managed just one field goal, while Austin Reaves went scoreless in the period.
James finished the night with 19 points, eight assists, and six rebounds, but his shooting was off at 7-for-19, and he posted a minus-24 plus-minus rating.
Los Angeles also turned the ball over 17 times, which led to 30 points for the Thunder. Oklahoma City outscored the Lakers 64-44 in the paint as well.
When pressed about the frustration of falling behind 3-0, James kept his response measured.
“I can’t say I’m not disappointed or angry,” he said. “You’re obviously disappointed being down 3-0, but we still have life. That’s all you can ask for. We have to be much better on Monday.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick backed up James’ take, describing Oklahoma City as an elite team in the NBA.
“They’ve beaten us three straight games,” Redick said. “They’re a really impressive basketball team.”
Redick previously drew comparisons between the Thunder and dominant teams like the 1990s Chicago Bulls and the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors. James acknowledged Oklahoma City’s versatility and depth, which have caused significant matchup problems.
“They have the right personnel to adapt to whatever you throw out there,” James said. “And they stay productive no matter who’s on the floor.”
Even with Gilgeous-Alexander’s uneven scoring, the Thunder have continued to win comfortably. Holmgren’s inside presence has been dominant, and Mitchell once again put up a strong stat line with 24 points and 10 assists.
James wasn’t surprised by the Thunder’s sustained pressure, given their roster makeup.
“You’ve seen them develop over the years,” he said. “They have a lot of players who can do multiple things, and that depth really helps.”
The Lakers are still without Luka Doncic, sidelined with a Grade 2 hamstring strain from April, which has hampered their offensive rhythm, especially late in games.
Facing elimination now, James insisted the team’s focus remains squarely on Game 4 rather than any bigger questions about the group’s future.
"No", James said when asked if they considered this might be their last run together. “We’re just concentrating on the moment and moving forward from there.”
Game 4 is set for Monday night in Los Angeles, where the Lakers will fight to avoid a sweep and keep the series alive before heading back to Oklahoma City.
MAX HOLLOWAY BREAKS SILENCE ON PARAMOUNT REGARDING CONOR MCGREGOR UFC 329 RUMORS
Relive the 13-year history between Holloway and McGregor as the Hawaiian star targets International Fight Week for ultimate revenge.
Max Holloway is hungry for payback against Conor McGregor as rumours swirl about a rematch.
McGregor hasn’t stepped inside the octagon since that quick loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021. His last win was way back in 2020 when he steamrolled Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone in under a minute. He was supposed to fight Michael Chandler in 2024, but that fell through after he got injured.
Now, at 37, McGregor’s back in training and eyeing a return for UFC 329 on July 11, right as International Fight Week rolls around. Before that, he missed out on a shot at the White House card, so this July date is shaping up to be his next window.
Dana White has flip-flopped a bit on McGregor’s comeback, but now he sounds confident: “It’s looking good. Believe me, you know once we get a deal done with him, we will announce it.” And right now, Holloway looks like the top pick for the fight, 13 years after they first went at it.
Back then, McGregor beat Holloway by decision. Since then, Holloway’s had his own ups and downs; he lost the BMF belt to Charles Oliveira in March and hasn’t fought since. Still, he’s eager to get back, especially if it means a shot at Conor.
Talking to Paramount, Holloway laid it out: “We have history. We fought a long time ago. If someone’s got a win over me, I want that back. If he really is serious about returning, and it looks like he is, then this is an exciting fight. He looks hungry. He even did a boxing exhibition not too long ago, so it looks like he’s really coming back. I just want another shot. Any fight with Conor is huge, but with our past? It means even more. If I can knock a few names off my list, that’s great.”
For now, Holloway hasn’t heard anything official from the UFC about July. "Maybe we'll see what happens,” he said. “I’m seeing all the same talk you are. I haven’t heard anything yet, but July would work for me. They say you’re only as good as your last fight, and I want people to forget about that one as soon as possible.”
