Paddy Pimblett Vows to Make One Major Change in a Potential Justin Gaethje Rematch
Photo Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect | Source: Lastwordonsports.com – Kshitiz Kumar Singh
UFC 324 kicked off the promotion’s Paramount era with an absolute thriller, as Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett went to war for five rounds. Gaethje eventually came out on top, securing the interim lightweight title, but the fight wasn’t without its controversies.
Several eye pokes and a low blow suffered by Pimblett had fans questioning the referee’s decision not to take a point away, especially after two judges scored the contest 49-46. Beyond the officiating debate, another talking point was Pimblett’s decision to trade strikes with one of the division’s most dangerous punchers instead of making better use of his grappling.
Given his Brazilian jiu-jitsu credentials, many felt he left a major weapon unused. The Liverpudlian has since admitted that he could have approached things differently. Now, with Gaethje having become the undisputed 155lbs champion after beating Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, Pimblett has opened up about what he would change if the two ever crossed paths inside the Octagon again.
Paddy Pimblett Would Rather Rematch Justin Gaethje Than Settle His Ilia Topuria Feud
In a recent interview with How U Livin J Piven, Pimblett admitted that he would take a completely different approach if he ever got another shot at Gaethje. “Yeah, if I fought him again, I’d shoot in within 10 seconds. I’d love to get that rematch. If I fought him again, I’d shoot in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back, and choke his ass out.”
That would arguably be a much smarter game plan for the Liverpudlian, who reminded everyone of his grappling prowess with a spectacular comeback at UFC 329.
Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds, adding another impressive finish to his UFC resume, which already includes submission wins over King Green, Jordan Leavitt, and Rodrigo Vargas. He also showcased his ground game in a brutal TKO win over Michael Chandler in Miami last year.
However, a rematch with Gaethje might not be on the cards anytime soon. The lightweight title picture is getting crowded, with Topuria, Arman Tsarukyan, and even reigning featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski expressing interest in challenging the champion when and if he returns next year. That potentially leaves Pimblett on the outside looking in for Gaethje’s first title defense.
Although Pimblett believes Gaethje might never fight again, he hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of their paths crossing once more. In fact, he would take a rematch with Gaethje over settling his grudge with Topuria any day, given that becoming UFC champion remains his biggest priority.
Pimblett has previously identified March or April 2027 as his preferred window for a return. Whether that lines up with his title ambitions remains to be seen.
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Source: sports.yahoo.com — article syndicated from the publisher’s feed; all rights remain with the original publisher.