Paddy Pimblett's win at UFC 282 tagged "worst decision in UFC history" by top fighters

Paddy Pimblett eked out a close unanimous decision victory over Jared Gordon in the co-main event of UFC 282.

The bout proved to be the toughest test of the budding superstar's career as he ate several big shots from Gordon and was forced to defend against takedown threats throughout the fight.

With that being the case, Pimblett's decision win garnered backlash from observers. However, 'The Baddy' insisted that the fight wasn't close at all and that he knew heading into the third that he was ahead by two rounds. During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Pimblett claimed:

"Not at all [a close fight]. I won the first two rounds and coasted in the third. I knew I was two rounds up so I didn't wanna do nothing dangerous and risk losing the fight. I knew for a fact I won the first two rounds pretty easily."

Check out Paddy Pimblett's post-fight interview in the clip below:

That wasn't the general sentiment of fans, fighters, and media members, though. Many believe that Gordon had done enough and should have had his hand raised by the end of the contest.

Fans and fighters react to Paddy Pimblett vs. Jared Gordon at UFC 282

Paddy Pimblett remains undefeated in the octagon, but the majority of commenters on social media believe that he should've lost.

Worst decision in UFC history (move over @SugaSeanMMA) #UFC282 https://t.co/FJ7GTXHybp

UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling is of the opinion that Jared Gordon deserved the victory. His sentiments were shared by former UFC superstar Nate Diaz and Henry Cejudo, who called the result "the worst decision in UFC history."

I felt Gordon won but TBF here, the @UFC doesn’t control the judging. The state commission picks and controls the judges in place. twitter.com/xxxttimexxx/st…

Bruh?
You lost that fight 👊🏼

Worst decision in UFC history (move over @SugaSeanMMA) #UFC282 https://t.co/FJ7GTXHybp

Dillon Danis took a shot at the judges, implying that they were fans of Pimblett's. Lightweight contender Rafael Fiziev pointed out that 2022 was a year filled with terrible decisions, while Derek Brunson expressed his disapproval of the decision.

The three judges scoring ringside: https://t.co/NVaq4yDput

2022 year of terrible decisions in UFC

The Judge hit the chat like . “Everyone pick Paddy . I bet my house 🏡 on this” . Shessshhhhh 🤦🏾‍♂️😂 #UFC282

UFC prospect Terrance McKinney vowed to avenge Jared Gordon by "killing" Paddy Pimblett in a potential matchup. Will Harris of Anatomy of a Fighter, on the other hand, couldn't hide his disdain and said he felt cheated.

I’m killing this guy next for Gordon #robbery

Man I’m sorry, I feel cheated watching what I just witnessed. This is the kind of stuff that makes you think there is bullshit going on in the sport #UFC282

MMA journalist Adam Martin pointed out that judge Doug Crossby has been involved in several terrible decisions.

Doug Crosby handed in arguably the worst scorecard of all time last night -- 50-45 for Sabatello was the first time in MMA history the loser of a fight got a 50-45 scorecard -- and he faces no repercussions. Get to fly to Vegas to screw over Jared Gordon. I'm sick of it. #UFC282

Meanwhile, combat analyst Luca Fury believes MMA judges need to be investigated. He added that there have been too many bad decisions to let the issue slide:

"How many times do I have to keep saying that the judges need to be investigated? I hope to god this James investigation sheds light on many things behind the scenes. I’m sorry, but at this point it’s impossible to not suspect corruption with some of these decisions."

How many times do I have to keep saying that the judges need to be investigated? I hope to god this James investigation sheds light on many things behind the scenes. I’m sorry, but at this point it’s impossible to not suspect corruption with some of these decisions. #UFC282

Check out more reactions below:

Round 1 10-9 Jared
Round 2 10-9 very even
Round 3 10-9 jared

How paddy got a unanimous decision is beyond me

Paddy “stole” the show… what a robbery

Incompetent people sit in positions where competence is of the utmost importance. Money, careers & livelihoods are all in their hands.

the judges for that fight:

#UFC282 https://t.co/el38Yzzhku