LAS VEGAS – Paddy Pimblett is realizing fewer doubters as he enters his first UFC title fight.
Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) is a moderate favorite heading into his interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) in Saturday’s UFC 324 (Paramount+) main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
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Many have questioned Pimblett’s resume heading into the fight but not the oddsmakers.
“The odds haven’t changed. I didn’t think I’d stay favorite,” Pimblett told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC 324 media day. “I thought the odds would flip. That’s what happened when I fought Bobby Green. He opened as the favorite, and it ended up being a pick’em when we went into it. That just show the smart people have picked me, though, doesn’t it? The people who are actually putting money on it.”
Pimblett is fully aware of the likes of lightweight legend Dustin Poirier picking against him – but he expected it.
“All the old guards, the fighters are picking Justin because they don’t like it when the next generation comes in and starts beating the old guard,” Pimblett said. “So, all the lightweights that I see, who are now retired or are on their way out, are all picking Justin to win, but that’s just because it makes them look good if Justin wins when I’m going to beat him worse than they did, or some of them who got beat by him.”
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett surprised he’s still favorite vs. Gaethje
