Dana White shares image of Paddy Pimblett’s badly beaten face as UFC star taken to hospital

Dana White captured just how bad Paddy Pimblett’s facial damage was before he was taken to hospital.

Pimblett went blow-for-blow with powerful striker Justin Gaethje in their thrilling clash for the UFC interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.

Getty

Unfortunately for the Liverpudlian, he was beaten on points having been dropped three times, but showed his powers of recovery to survive until the conclusion.

During the bout, Pimblett was left with blood pouring from his eye, and with several cuts and marks all over his face.

It was swelling as the bout went on with more and more concussive blows hitting their target in an all-action war.

He was even victim of two eye pokes early on which saw his eye swell alongside his other facial injuries.

‘The Baddy’ was able to conduct a post-fight interview but clearly showed severe swelling to his face.

And UFC president White met Pimblett when he had returned to the dressing room, showing just how bad the damage was.

The picture showed the defeated star looking less recognisable than usual, with his face having practically changed shape with all the swelling.

He had cuts on his nose, lips, and left eye, with the latter left black and bruised after some significant shots including the poke.

Pimblett’s nose was also inflamed, and it was clear as day that he’d need a recovery period before any next fight.

White posted the image with the caption: “Savage.”

And it is clear that the 31-year-old is exactly that, determined to go toe-to-toe with Gaethje, and prove his ‘Scousers don’t get knocked out’ moniker.

Pimblett taken to hospital – medical update

Given the damage that was inflicted on Pimblett, it was revealed that he was taken to a nearby hospital for medical assessment.

It isn’t yet clear exactly what treatment the defeated challenger would need and the checks were likely deemed precautionary.

But UFC president Dana White revealed that his rival was meant to be sent too, but insisted he was fine.

He said at the UFC 324 press conference: “We sent Paddy straight to the hospital, and then we were going to send Gaethje, too.

“And Gaethje’s like, ‘Believe me, I’ve been in plenty of wars. I’m good.'”

What next for Pimblett and Gaethje?

Getty

Focus for Pimblett will be on his recovery, where he will likely give his facial injuries months to heal.

But he will hope that he can make a winning return at 155lbs before the end of the year to keep his name in the top ten of the rankings.

As for Gaethje, it is onwards and upwards after he clinched an interim title for the second time in his career.

He will now be first in line to challenge full champion Ilia Topuria later this year.

Topuria has suggested he won’t return until April at the very earliest, and White has confirmed he intends to make the showdown next.