Pimblett Says He Will Stop Gaethje – Is It Realistic?
Paddy Pimblett predicts he will stop Justin Gaethje in their UFC Interim Lightweight Title fight in the main event at UFC 324 on January 24.
Pimblett enters the fight with a 7-0 professional record, having shown an ability to secure finishes. His recent victories highlight his finishing—a first-round submission over King Green at UFC 304 in July 2024 was followed by a third-round TKO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April.
Five of Pimblett’s seven career victories have come before the final bell. The winner will be in a position to face the current champion Ilia Topuria next. Now, facing arguably the most dangerous striker in the division for the interim belt, Paddy is certain he will maintain his perfect streak and add Gaethje to his growing list of stoppage victims.
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“I think everyone’s going to be shocked to be honest because I think I’m gonna knock him out. So people won’t expect that. People think I’m just gonna grapple and take him down, but I’m not. I’m going to come out and I’m going to put it on him. I don’t see him getting past the third [round], just like [Michael] Chandler,” Pimblett said
The Reality
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While Pimblett has secured finishes over good competition, he has not yet faced, let alone finished, a top-5 caliber fighter like Gaethje. The fighters he has stopped are considered to be lower-ranked and less durable than an elite, battle-tested veteran like Gaethje. Justin has been in the octagon with the biggest names, getting wins over the likes of Dustin Poirier and Tony Ferguson.
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Gaethje is also arguably the most dangerous striker in the UFC Lightweight division. He is known for his relentless pressure, chin, leg kicks, and concussive power. He is a former interim champion, has fought and beaten multiple other top names: Dustin Poirier, Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. He possesses a 79% finishing rate. Gaethje has only been truly stopped three times in his career—by Eddie Alvarez, Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway.
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