Paddy Pimblett suspended from UFC after being rushed to hospital in Justin Gaethje defeat

Paddy Pimblett faces a mandatory UFC suspension after his defeat to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in his attempt to claim the interim lightweight title. The bout proved to be a punishing five-round affair, with the American edging victory on the judges' scorecards of 48-47, 49-46, 49-46.

The first round witnessed Gaethje secure an early takedown against Pimblett, though the Liverpudlian survived the opening onslaught to regain his footing before an accidental eye poke to Pimblett summoned the doctor into the cage. After medical examination, Pimblett received clearance to proceed, with both fighters trading blows on their feet throughout the following two rounds.

In the fourth round, Gaethje repeatedly troubled Pimblett, yet the Brit showed extraordinary determination and landed his own flurry of strikes late in the session to establish an enthralling final round.

The American fighter again took control with a barrage of heavy blows before Pimblett switched tactics with relentless takedown efforts against Gaethje.

While Gaethje successfully maintained his standing position, he started to display signs of exhaustion as the clock wound down, offering Pimblett a chance to chase a spectacular late stoppage. Despite his best efforts, the Baddy was unable to land the knockout blow, with both competitors sharing a moment of mutual respect after the final bell sounded.

Pimblett was transported to hospital following the bout for additional medical checks, but received the all-clear and was subsequently seen celebrating at an afterparty at Zouk nightclub at Resorts World.

Section 467.562 of the Nevada Admin Code (NAC) is the "suspension of licensee for medical reason," which means that Pimblett "must be suspended until it is shown that he is fit for further competition."

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The 31-year-old will now face a mandatory 30-day period without competing, which is standard practice for boxers and UFC fighters; however, given the brutal nature of his loss, that suspension could be extended depending on his injuries.

The NAC has the authority to extend the suspension to a maximum of 180 days. In his post-fight interview, Pimblett told Joe Rogan: "I wanted to be walking away with that belt, Joe. I know how tough I am anyway. I don't need to prove it to anyone. But there's no other man I'd rather lose to than 'The Highlight'.

"Justin Gaethje is someone I've loved watching growing up watching the UFC and it shows why he's a legend. I thought 48-47 was a fair scorecard.

"I'm not gonna lie, he hit me with a body shot in the first round, he hit me in the solarplexus and it got me. I thought I was winning the first round up until that point.

"But, you live and you learn. I'm 31, I'll be back better. You haven't seen the last of me."