Overview
- Gaethje won a unanimous decision over Pimblett to become a two-time interim lightweight champion, securing a path toward an undisputed bout with Ilia Topuria.
- Pimblett sustained heavy damage over five rounds; Dana White shared a photo of his battered face and said he was taken for precautionary hospital scans.
- Gaethje said he intends to fight on the June White House card and expects a Topuria unification if the champion returns on his April–June timeline.
- The UFC implemented larger payouts on its Paramount+ launch, awarding $100,000 Fight and Performance of the Night bonuses and a $25,000 finish bonus to stoppage winners.
- The broadcast opened with notable hiccups and an unusual officiating setback, including Bruce Buffer’s record mix-up, a commentator misnaming a fighter, and referee Mark Smith suffering a torn ACL.