Paddy Pimblett is aiming to replicate his success as he steps into his first UFC title fight at UFC 324, the inaugural main event on Paramount+. This high-profile event marks the start of a $7.7 billion broadcast deal and features Pimblett facing Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship, due to the absence of the current titleholder Ilia Topuria.
Justin Gaethje, known as “The Highlight,” is a former interim lightweight champion yet has not held the undisputed lightweight title. He has been defeated in title fights by Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira. Recent training clips suggest Pimblett could potentially finish Gaethje on fight night in Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, Gaethje is training intensely with renowned coach Trevor Whitman alongside former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman. Usman, preparing for his own upcoming fight, has demonstrated his grappling prowess by successfully submitting Gaethje during a training session, showing his confidence in his skills.
Despite speculation that Pimblett may exploit Gaethje’s jiu-jitsu weaknesses to secure a submission victory, Pimblett has dismissed this notion. Instead, Pimblett promises fans a shocking knockout, vowing to aggressively pursue a striking finish rather than relying solely on grappling, predicting the fight won’t last beyond the third round.
Fan Take: This matchup is a thrilling blend of styles and personalities that captivates fighting fans, as Pimblett’s bold knockout prediction challenges the expectations of a grappling-heavy encounter. UFC 324 could be a defining moment that not only elevates Pimblett’s status but also adds an exciting chapter to the lightweight division’s legacy.
