Paddy
Pimblett has a clear idea of how he would approach a potential
rematch against Justin
Gaethje.
Speaking on the “How U Livin J Piven” podcast, Pimblett said he
would immediately turn to his grappling rather than trade strikes
as he did in their first meeting. Gaethje defeated Pimblett by
unanimous decision at
UFC 324 in January to claim the interim lightweight title,
handing “The Baddy” his first UFC loss.
Advertisement
Paddy Pimblett explains why he would abandon his striking
approach against Justin Gaethje after UFC 324
“If I fought him again, I’d shoot in in the first 10 seconds, put
him on his back and choke his ass out,” Pimblett said.
The 31-year-old previously acknowledged that his ego interfered
with his game plan against Gaethje. Instead of relying on his
grappling, Pimblett wanted to prove he could exchange punches with
one of the division’s most dangerous strikers. Gaethje ultimately
prevailed after five rounds.
Pimblett rebounded with a first-round submission victory over
Benoit Saint Denis at
UFC 329 in July, securing the finish in 52 seconds to revive
his pursuit of a title shot.
Gaethje had captured the undisputed lightweight championship by
defeating Ilia
Topuria at
UFC Freedom 250 in June. Although Pimblett has a longstanding
rivalry with Topuria, he would prefer another opportunity against
Gaethje because winning the title remains his priority.
“I’d take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia, because I want to be
a world champion,” Pimblett added. “I hate Ilia, don’t get me
wrong… Obviously, I’d rather beat Ilia than beat Justin, but
Justin’s got the belt and that’s what we do it for. To be
recognized as the best in the world, to be the undisputed champion.
That’s been my goal since I was 15, 16, so that’s what I want to
do.”