Pimblett will headline UFC 324 on Jan. 24 against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. The winner of the fight is expected to face Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight title later in 2026.
However, Pimblett already has his sights set on becoming a champion, but the route also includes beating Topuria.
“I knew I was going to fight for the title anyway,” Pimblett said said to Red Corner MMA. “To fight a legend like Justin Gaethje for the interim belt is – I paid my money to get this, boy. I always knew I was going to fight for the title eventually, and I’m going to win this interim belt. Then I’m going to beat up Ilia and get the right belt, defend it, and then I’m going to go up there and win the damn welterweight belt.”
It’s a bold choice from Pimblett as he’s already thinking about moving up to welterweight to try and become a champion. But before that happens, Pimblett knows he has to get past Gaethje and Topuria. However, he is confident he will do both.
Paddy Pimblett vows to take out Justin Gaethje
Before Pimblett can even think about fighting for the welterweight title or the lightweight title, he has to get past Gaethje.
Gaethje is a tough ask for anyone, but Pimblett expects him to run through him and pick up a knockout victory to send a statement to the entire division.
“I think everyone will be shocked, to be honest, because I think I’m going to knock him out,” Pimblett added. “So people aren’t going to expect that. People think I’m just going to try to grab him and take him down, but I’m not going to do that. I’m going to come out and I’m going to blame him. I don’t see him getting past third like Chandler.”
Pimblett is 23-3 as a pro and is coming off a TKO win over Michael Chandler.
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