Like many, Charles Oliveira was surprised with Paddy Pimblett‘s game plan at UFC 324.
Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) was outlasted by Justin Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) in a five-round war for the interim lightweight title this past Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, resulting in a unanimous decision defeat.
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Pimblett failed to implement any effective grappling offense. He had three takedowns stuffed, and was forced to stand and trade with Gaethje for the five rounds, which left him bloodied and battered.
“I thought Pimblett would win by taking Justin down and applying pressure, but instead he fought a completely different fight,” Oliveira told MMA Junkie (h/t CasinoBeats). “And if you fight Justin’s fight, you’re going to lose.”
Gaethje is now expected to unify his belt with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Having fought both in title fights, Oliveira (36-11 MMA, 24-11 UFC) have a unique insight into the expected next matchup. However, it’s pretty straight forward in his mind.
“They’d stand and trade and because of that, Topuria would win,” Oliveira said.
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Oliveira is coming off a knockout loss to Topuria for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 in June. He will look to chase a different kind of belt when he challenges Max Holloway (27-8 MMA, 23-8 UFC) for the BMF title in the UFC 326 headliner March 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Paramount+).
Arman Tsarukyan is the current No. 1 ranked lightweight contender, but Oliveira sees big implications for himself should he avenge his loss to Holloway.
“Without a doubt, the winner would be right there in line for a title shot,” Oliveira said. “Both Max and I are exciting fighters who sell fights. Whoever wins is very close to a title opportunity.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Common opponent Charles Oliveira predicts Topuria vs. Gaethje unifier
