Paddy Pimblett thinks ego cost him against Justin Gaethje: “I wanted a war”

Paddy Pimblett believes he allowed his ego to cost him at UFC 324.

Back in January, Pimblett fought Justin Gaethje with the interim UFC Lightweight Championship at stake. Pimblett showed heart, but he took significant damage on the feet throughout the fight. “The Baddy” ended up falling short, dropping a unanimous decision to Gaethje.

Now that he’s had some time to reflect on the defeat, Pimblett admits he feels his ego got in the way. He explained why during a new video posted on his YouTube channel (via MMAJunkie).

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

Pimblett has begun his fight camp. While UFC hasn’t announced his next fight, Pimblett hinted at facing Benoit Saint Denis this summer. Many have assumed that Pimblett will be fighting at this year’s International Fight Week event. Conor McGregor has also been heavily rumored for the card. BJPenn.com will keep you updated with the latest news on International Fight Week.

Pimblett’s nine-fight winning streak was snapped against Gaethje, but an impressive bounce back win would put him right back in title contention. There is still unfinished business to settle between Pimblett and reigning UFC Lightweight Champion Ilia Topuria. Whether or not they will eventually collide inside the Octagon remains to be seen.

Did Paddy Pimbett’s ego cost him against Justin Gaethje, or was he simply not good enough on that night? Drop a comment below.