Paddy Pimblett is brimming with confidence as he anticipates a career-defining bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, where he promises to secure a decisive victory.
Set to unfold at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas next weekend, this clash with MMA icon Gaethje presents ‘The Baddy’ with a potential pathway to a title shot.
In his previous fight last April, the Liverpool native dominated Michael Chandler. Despite his reputation for a formidable ground game and submission prowess, Pimblett is adamant about standing toe-to-toe with the 37-year-old American fighter.
“Everyone assumes I’ll just take him down, but that’s not the plan,” Pimblett shared. “Gaethje had a grueling battle with Chandler, whom I handled with ease.”
He added, “While MMA math isn’t always straightforward, come January 24, our strategy will shine, and we’ll finish him within three rounds.”
Paddy Pimblett, pictured recently at the World Darts Championship, has a huge fight at UFC 324
Meanwhile, Gaethje, who last competed in March, emerged victorious against Rafael Fiziev, marking a similar hiatus in action as Pimblett.
The veteran is known for putting on incredibly entertaining fights and it seems Pimblett is also determined to put on a show by making it a stand-up battle.
Gaethje has claimed a $50k bonus (£37k) for Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night 12 times in his UFC career.
He is ranked No 4 in the lightweight division, one spot ahead of Pimblett and will fancy one last run at a title he’s never quite managed to bag despite numerous chances.
Pimblett says it will be hard for Gaethje to prepare for him, adding: ‘I don’t wrestle like a normal person.
‘I don’t shoot double legs and single legs and wrestle like a normal person does. I do everything differently. I’m not normal, so he’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner that grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m a weirdo.
‘I’m honest about it, I’m very awkward. You can’t really get a sparring partner in to do me because I’m so awkward, so I’m looking forward to fighting him as I say.
‘He’s a legend. He’s someone I’ve always loved watching, so to get the chance to actually get in the cage and fight with him is unbelievable. I can’t wait to have Justin Gaethje on my résumé.
Justin Gaethje (left) faces Pimblett (right) in the main event next Saturday in Las Vegas
Pimblett hammered Michael Chandler (left) last April and is undefeated in the UFC
‘It’s going to be something that will last forever, part of my legacy. I’m looking forward to it, I just hope he doesn’t retire once I beat him.’
Pimblett also feels as though he isn’t given credit for his wins, having stayed unbeaten since signing for the UFC in 2021.
‘It’s going to be the same,’ Pimblett said. ‘When I beat Chandler, everyone was like, “He’s old. He’s 2-5 in UFC.”
When I beat Justin, it’s going to be, “He’s old, he’s about to retire.” No matter who I beat. When I beat Ilia, it’ll be, “He was never that good.” So it doesn’t matter who I beat, the goalposts get moved.’
The dominant force of the division, Topuria, is currently taking time away from competing to deal with family matters amid the ongoing split from wife Giorgina, with whom he shares two young children.
Armand Tsarukyan is the No 1 contender at present and front of the queue for a title shot but an impressive win for Pimblett could see him jump ahead.
