Paddy Pimblett isn’t backing down from danger he’s running straight toward it. Ahead of the UFC 324 main event on January 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Pimblett has made it clear he doesn’t plan to rely solely on grappling when he challenges Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. Instead, “The Baddy” says he’s ready to go blow for blow with one of the most feared strikers in MMA history.
“I’ll keep it on the feet with him,” Pimblett told TNT Sports. “There’s the blueprint there to beat him Max done it. Everyone underestimates my striking. Everyone thinks I’m just going to come in and take him down, and I’m not.”
The statement alone raised eyebrows given Gaethje’s reputation but Pimblett isn’t short on confidence.
Pimblett Embraces the Fire
Paddy Pimblett enters UFC 324 riding a perfect 7-0 run inside the Octagon, built on relentless pressure, durable defense, and suffocating grappling. While many expect him to wrestle early and often against Justin Gaethje, Pimblett believes his striking is still wildly underestimated.
“He had an absolute war with Michael Chandler and I pieced Chandler up,” Pimblett said. “So I know MMA math doesn’t work, but you’ll see come Jan. 24 we’ll have a perfect game plan and we finish him within three.”
That claim stands in contrast to Pimblett’s recent performances, where he leaned heavily on wrestling to neutralize dangerous opponents.
Grappling Still a Weapon Even If He Says Otherwise
Despite his talk of standing and trading, Pimblett’s resume suggests the ground game will remain a major factor. In recent wins over Michael Chandler, King Green, and Tony Ferguson, Pimblett repeatedly used takedowns and top control to sap momentum and dictate terms.
His submission win over Green was particularly notable, making Pimblett just the third fighter ever to submit the 52-fight veteran.
Gaethje, a former Division I All-American wrestler, has long relied on elite takedown defense to keep fights upright. But Pimblett insists his grappling is unconventional enough to present problems.
“I don’t wrestle like a normal person,” Pimblett said. “I don’t shoot double legs and single legs like a normal person does. I do everything differently. I’m not normal I’m a weirdo.
“He’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner that grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m so awkward.”
Respect for a Legend and a Legacy Moment
For all the bravado, Pimblett made it clear that Gaethje is a fight he’s dreamed about.
“He’s a legend. He’s someone I’ve always loved watching,” Pimblett said. “To get the chance to actually get in the cage and fight with him is unbelievable. I can’t wait to have Justin Gaethje on my resume. That’s something that lasts forever part of my legacy.”
Pimblett even joked about the stakes. “I just hope he doesn’t retire once I beat him.”
Bigger Picture: Topuria Awaits
A win at UFC 324 would deliver Pimblett his first UFC title and position him for a unification bout with longtime rival and undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. UFC CEO Dana White has already indicated the winner of the main event will be next in line.
Still, Pimblett knows skepticism won’t disappear no matter who he beats.
“It’s going to be the same,” he said. “When I beat Chandler, everyone said, ‘He’s old.’ When I beat Justin, it’ll be, ‘He’s old, he’s about to retire.’ When I beat Ilia, it’ll be, ‘He was never that good.’ The goalposts always get moved.”
On January 24, Pimblett gets another chance to silence critics not by playing it safe, but by stepping into the fire with one of the most violent strikers the sport has ever seen. Whether he stands, grapples, or blends both, one thing is certain: Paddy Pimblett plans to make UFC 324 unforgettable.
UFC 324 Superfight Between Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes Reportedly Off Due to Injury
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
