JUSTIN GAETHJE prevailed over Britain’s Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to claim the UFC interim lightweight championship in Las Vegas today.

The bout was a five-round war, with the American just getting the nod from the judges 48-47 49-46 49-46.

The first round saw Gaethje take Pimblett down early, but the Brit withstood the onslaught to regain his footing before an accidental eye poke to Pimblett saw the ring doctor enter the octagon.

Pimblett was deemed fit to resume, and the fighters did just that, trading standing blows throughout the next two rounds.

Gaethje had Pimblett on the ropes multiple times in round four, but the Brit refused to give in and landed a flurry of his own in the later stages to ensure a thrilling final round.

The American fighter again took the early advantage with multiple hard strikes before Pimblett shifted his strategy with repeated attempts to take Gaethje down.

Gaethje managed to stay on his feet but appeared to look tired as the clock wound down, giving Pimblett a window to go for a last-gasp knockout.

He was ultimately unable to land the finishing blow however, and the two men embraced after the bell.