Paddy Pimblett believes style cannot be imitated

Paddy Pimblett doesn’t think he can be imitated. Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on Jan. 24 in Las Vegas. While Gaethje is known for his striking performances, Pimblett possesses a high level of wrestling skills. Gaethje’s camp recently said they have emphasized wrestling in preparation for Pimblett. Either way, Pimblett believes Gaethje won’t be able to suppress his wrestling. Pimblett claims he doesn’t wrestle conventionally, which makes his style awkward. While fighters typically bring in sparring partners to mimic their upcoming opponents, Pimblett doesn’t think Gaethje will find anyone who can emulate him.

‘I’m not normal’

“I don’t wrestle like a normal person,” Pimblett told the UFC. “I don’t shoot double legs and single legs or wrestle like a normal person. I do everything differently. I’m not normal. He won’t be able to get a sparring partner who wrestles like me or hits like me because I’m a fool. I’m very clumsy: you can’t really get a sparring partner to help me because I’m so clumsy.”While Pimblett (23-3) is undefeated in seven UFC appearances, his highest-quality wins have come against Bobby Green and Michael Chandler. Meanwhile, Gaethje (26-5) is a perennial lightweight contender and has already made two failed title bids. In his last four outings, “The Highlight” has only lost to Max Holloway, while defeating Rafael Fiziev twice and Dustin Poirier once.