Paddy Pimblett has officially addressed his first UFC defeat following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

Pimblett, who showed tremendous heart in the brutal five round battle, was candid about the result, refusing to make any excuses for the unanimous decision loss (48-47, 49-46, 49-46). The defeat ended Pimblett’s 9-fight win streak and cost him the UFC interim lightweight title, which would have put him in a position to face the UFC 155-pound champion Ilia Topuria.

It was also the first time he went five rounds against a top lightweight. His previous wins over Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, and King Green showed Paddy can compete. Pimblett confirmed he had a good camp, with no issues over making weight, as he vowed to bounce back.

“Hope everyone enjoyed my fight just as much as I did, want to thank everyone that came to support and everyone watching at home. I’m all good no injuries went into the fight feeling amazing had a great camp and an easy weight cut. No excuses the better man won on the night [Justin Gaethje] congratulations brother it was an honour to share the cage with such a legend go get that undisputed title ur career deserves it. Hopefully we can run it back for the undisputed because I still know it’s in my destiny to win that gold! UFC thank you for the opportunity yous all know I’ll be back for that belt in the near future,” Pimblett said