The first UFC event under the fight promotion’s new media rights agreement with Paramount is in the books. UFC 324: Gaethje vs. Pimblett took place on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas and the main event was bonkers.
Former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett to become a two-time interim champion in an instant classic headlining fight.
Former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya compared the war between Gaethje and Pimblett to The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Finale between Forrest Griffin and the late Stephan Bonnar.
The Griffin and Bonnar fight is considered the most important fight in UFC history. With the promotion nearly bankrupt, TUF was a last-ditch effort, a Hail Mary from the fight promotion on the verge of financial ruin. Griffin and Bonnar delivered a fight for the ages and the UFC suddenly arrived in the mainstream. Adesanya believes Gaethje and Pimplett created a similar moment in the promotion’s first event on Paramount.
“The main event was sick. This is perfect because the Spike TV deal, Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar showed out and made the whole world go, ‘What the …’ This is like part 2 I guess because it’s the new deal with Paramount. And this main event f*cking showed out,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel.
“I’m sure everyone watched this. A lot of eyes on this. And the main event delivered, which is what you want.”
