Connect with us

Sports

Paddy Pimblett Told Major Error ‘Changed Outcome’ of Justin Gaethje Fight

Published

on


Liverpool’s Paddy Pimblett lost for the first time in his UFC career on Saturday night after dropping a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324. In the aftermath of the interim lightweight championship bout, Pimblett was full of praise for his opponent, admitting that the better man won on the night.

Having been undefeated in his first seven UFC fights, Paddy went down 48-47, 49-46 and 49-46 on the judges’ scorecards. After claiming the interim title, Gaethje now moves on to face full lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria, in a unification fight later this year.

One UFC analyst, though, has highlighted a key moment missed by referee Marc Goddard that “completely changed the fight” at UFC 324.

Pimblett entered the Octagon at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas as a strong favourite to defeat American veteran Gaethje and experience his first taste of UFC gold. However, Paddy The Baddy quickly realised he was in a tough fight after being dropped by an uppercut in the first round.

Once the action returned to the feet, referee Goddard was forced to step in after Gaethje caught Pimblett with a finger in the eye. The action was stopped to allow Pimblett time to recover. Once he’d done so, the official was quick to let ‘The Highlight’ know that any further pokes would result in a point deduction.

The Moment That ‘Changed the Outcome’ of UFC 324 Main Event

Paddy Pimblett

Despite that stern warning, Gaethje again poked Pimblett in the eye in the second round, this time with his thumb. On the second occasion, though, Goddard missed the foul. Even more importantly, it led to Paddy being sent to the canvas and sustaining some of the worst damage he would absorb in the fight.

For TNT Sports’ UFC analyst, Nick Peet, the missed second eye poke “changed the fight” considerably. Speaking on the Fight Disciples podcast, Peet explained why the poke was so damaging to Pimblett’s chances.

“If the referee sees this [the second poke], Paddy has now not taken all the damage. He’s not cut to ribbons. He’s had time to recover. Gaethje’s now had a point taken off. The next time he does it, he’s going to get disqualified. Plus, it’s a brave referee [judge] who gives a round to a fighter who’s had a point taken off. Worst case it’s a 9-9 [round], but most judges are going to go 10-8 [to Pimblett] and then Paddy wins round three.

“In football, if they miss a penalty [incident] on VAR, the whole conversation is ‘that f***** penalty would have changed the game’. That thumb in the eye could have changed the fight.”

He concluded: “From the thumb in the eye to the end of round two is when Paddy takes the most damage.”

Ultimately, Pimblett lost the final two rounds of the bout on two of the judges’ scorecards. However, if as Peet points out, he had not been so badly damaged in the second round, the fight could well have ended differently, especially if he had been awarded a 10-8 round in the second session.

Does the UFC Have Its Own Version of VAR?

Marc Goddard Raises Justin Gaethje's Hand at UFC 324

For all UFC events in Nevada, where UFC 324 was held, officials do have the option to view an instant replay of any incident that they choose. The wording of the rules on the above read as follows:

“The referee may, at any time during a contest or exhibition, call a time-out to consult with officials of the Commission or to view replay footage.”

According to commentator Daniel Cormier on the UFC 324 broadcast, Goddard did take a look at a replay at the end of the second round. However, it has not been confirmed that he replayed the moment that Gaethje’s thumb made contact with Pimblett’s eye. For as much as Paddy was magnanimous in defeat on Saturday night, when he watches the fight back, he could be excused for wondering what might have been.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sports

Man Utd Ready To Pay £100m to Sign Sandro Tonali

Published

on

By


Manchester United are open to spending £100 million on a midfielder this summer, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, with one key star in mind.

It comes as part of a huge midfield rebuild for the Red Devils, as Casemiro’s exit is expected to be joined with a move for Manuel Ugarte, before some potential incoming signings.

Ederson is set to join the club from Atalanta this summer, with terms seemingly agreed for his move, while reports have also claimed that talks are ongoing surrounding a deal for Mateus Fernandes.

That’s not to say Man United may not look at further signings in the market, especially in the central ranks, ahead of their return to the Champions League.

With that in mind, it seems as though one particular target is being eyed up, and a huge price tag won’t be putting the Old Trafford outfit off of making a move.

Man United Want Sandro Tonali

Sandro Tonali

According to the report from Gazzetta dello Sport, Man United are among a whole host of teams showing interest in Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali.

A deal is described as difficult, because the Magpies intend on building their project around the Italian midfielder, and won’t let him go without a fight to keep him.

The 26-year-old has two years remaining on his contract with the club, which means that a deal isn’t totally off the cards, however, but it will require a hefty sum.

A £100 million price tag has been put on Tonali by Newcastle, which would put him among some of the most-expensive transfers in Premier League history.

That said, the report claims that United are not “scared” of the figure that the Magpies have quoted, meaning they could be willing to drop that £100 million fee on the Italian international.

Michael Carrick‘s side aren’t alone in their admiration, however, as rivals Arsenal and Manchester City are also believed to be in the conversation.

It could make for an interesting battle to secure Tonali’s signature, after a few impressive campaigns in the Premier League so far.

You scored

out of 20

Sandro Tonali Brings Quality

Sandro Tonali

If there’s one thing that Tonali would bring Man United this summer, it’s clear quality in the midfield. The midfield maestro is capable of playing as both a number six and as a number eight, offering an ability to start attacks as well as finish them at the other end of the pitch.

While Newcastle struggled for much of the recent Premier League campaign, Tonali was a standout star through much of the season with his silky play.

It’s not only for the Magpies that he has impressed, as he has been praised for his quality in the Italian national team over the past season or so.

Football Italia’s player ratings back in September, after a stunning display against Estonia, described the Newcastle ace as “the best midfielder in the country”.


Manchester United caretaker boss Michael Carrick claps the fans


£80m Star’s Agents Believe He Will Sign For Man Utd This Summer

Manchester United are in the market for more midfielders this summer, with another exciting move potentially on the cards.

With Italy narrowly missing out on the World Cup this summer, there is a clear schedule for clubs to try their hand at convincing Tonali to join.

It remains to be seen whether Man United will make their interest concrete with a bid, but there are other deals that club may look to get over the line first.

Continue Reading

Sports

Forget Rogers: Arsenal Want Morgan Gibbs-White

Published

on

By


After winning the Premier League, Arsenal are now looking to take their squad to the next level with some star-studded quality on the radar for the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are in the market for a number ten, as recent reports have claimed that Morgan Rogers is a transfer target, having shown plenty of quality in his time playing for Aston Villa and the England national team.

Any move could prove costly, however, meaning that Arsenal and Mikel Arteta could look elsewhere in the market for players who can still bring some attacking quality, but at a different price.

With that in mind, the North London club have seemingly shortlisted another Premier League star, with the Sun reporting interest in the playmaker.

Arsenal Shortlist Morgan Gibbs-White

Morgan Gibbs-White

According to the report from the Sun, Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has emerged as a potential target for Arsenal in the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that the 26-year-old is viewed as an alternative to Rogers, with there being some admirers over his talent in the backroom team at the Emirates Stadium.

The attacking midfielder was linked with an exit from Nottingham Forest last summer, as he emerged as an option for rivals Tottenham, coming as an alternative to Eberechi Eze after the Gunners swooped to land him.

While the direction of travel indicated that a switch would be on the cards, Gibbs-White instead signed a new contract at the City Ground, extending his stay until 2028.

That led to another impressive season with Nottingham Forest, even with relegation fears creeping into the Premier League campaign, as he became a surprise omission from the England World Cup squad.

With two years remaining on that contract, there is a possibility that Gibbs-White could be on the move this summer, though Forest appear reluctant to allow that to happen.

It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will put forward a compelling offer or not, as Premier League rivals also consider a switch for the talisman.

You scored

out of 20

Morgan Rogers Vs Morgan Gibbs-White

Morgan Gibbs-White in action for Nottingham Forest against Porto in the UEFA Europa League

In Rogers and Gibbs-White, Arsenal have two impressive options who can help break games open more frequently than the team currently does.

Both stars find plenty of goals and assists for their respective teams, finding a way to make the play centre around them to help create and score opportunities.

Player

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Morgan Gibbs-White

53

18

7

Morgan Rogers

55

14

12

Gibbs-White is three years older than Rogers, but is arguably playing in a team that is worse, making his statistics for the season all the more impressive.

It’s no surprise that the midfielder has been dubbed as “one of the best players in the Premier League” in the past few seasons because of the importance of his performances.


Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates Champions League semi-final win over Atletico Madrid


Arteta Loves Him: Arsenal Ready to Pay £100m to Sign ‘One of the Best CM’s in Europe’

Arsenal could enjoy a strong summer window.

What is important for Arsenal is a mixture of age profile, instinctive quality and the dynamics in the squad. The one who ticks the most boxes will be the one who should be on the club’s radar as a priority.

It remains to be seen which of the two they could formalise interest in, but it’s clear that the Gunners have a plan to improve their playmaking abilities.

Continue Reading

Sports

Christian Eriksen Health Update After Collapsing in Denmark vs Ukraine

Published

on

By


Former Tottenham midfielder Christian Eriksen suffered another worrying collapse during Denmark’s vacated friendly match vs Ukraine on Sunday evening, with a health update now emerging. Goals from Patrick Dorgu and Joakim Maehle had put the hosts in front at the Nature Energy Park, but proceedings were abandoned before it could be finished.

Providing a health update, citing the Danish national team, Fabrizio Romano wrote on X (see full post below):

“Danish Federation announce Christian Eriksen is ‘conscious and doing well under the circumstances’. Thoughts and prayers with him.”

Meanwhile, a Denmark football news account wrote on X (see the full post below):

“Christian Eriksen is conscious and doing well under the circumstances. The match has been called off.”

More to follow…

Continue Reading

Trending