Paddy Pimblett says he won’t shy away from standing toe to toe with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.
Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) takes on Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) for the interim lightweight title in the Jan. 24 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (Paramount+). “The Baddy” is coming off a TKO of Michael Chandler, who, like Gaethje, is also a powerful striker that willingly goes to war. Pimblett plans on handing Gaethje the same fate.
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“I think everyone’s going to be shocked, to be honest, because I think I’m going to knock him out,” Pimblett told Red Corner MMA. “So, people won’t expect that. People think I’m just going to try to grapple and take him down, but I’m not. I’m going to come out, and I’m going to put it on him. I don’t see him getting past the third, just like Chandler.”
Many were expecting Pimblett to be the one to challenge Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title, but after Topuria opted to take some personal time off, he drew Gaethje for the interim. Although Arman Tsarukyan also appeared to be in the picture, Pimblett had no doubt he’d be involved in the title fight.
He has big plans if he gets past Gaethje.
“I knew I’d end up fighting for the belt anyway,” Pimblett said. “To fight a legend like Justin Gaethje for the interim belt is – I’ve paid my dues to get this, lad. I’ve always knew I’d end up fighting for the title, and I’ll win this interim belt then I’ll beat up Ilia and take the proper belt, defend that, and then I’ll go up and f*cking win the welterweight belt.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Paddy Pimblett reveals monumental goals for UFC 324 – and beyond
