Paddy Pimblett has a remarkably clear and uncompromising vision of how he would approach a potential rematch against Justin Gaethje. Reflecting on the tactical errors of their first encounter, the surging lightweight contender knows exactly what adjustments need to be made if he gets another opportunity to share the Octagon with the division’s elite.
Speaking candidly on the “How U Livin J Piven” podcast, Pimblett revealed that he would immediately turn to his elite grappling pedigree rather than engage in the prolonged striking exchanges that defined their initial meeting. Gaethje defeated Pimblett by a unanimous decision at UFC 324 in January, capturing the interim lightweight championship and handing “The Baddy” the first defeat of his promotional career.
Paddy Pimblett explains why he would abandon his striking approach against Justin Gaethje after UFC 324
The competitive landscape of the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s lightweight division remains as volatile and compelling as ever, largely driven by the high-stakes ambitions of its top contenders. For Pimblett, the setback at UFC 324 served as both a sobering reality check and an invaluable learning experience. The 31-year-old fighter has openly acknowledged that his ego heavily interfered with his pre-fight game plan when he stood across the cage from Gaethje. Instead of leaning into his world-class ground game and submission skills, Pimblett allowed pride to dictate his pacing, opting to prove he could trade heavy punches with one of the most ferocious and decorated strikers in mixed martial arts history.
That tactical gamble ultimately backfired over five grueling rounds, allowing Gaethje’s vast experience, durability, and concussive power to secure the judges’ favor. However, a fighter’s true measure is often determined by how they respond to adversity, and Pimblett wasted little time getting his career back on an upward trajectory.
He rebounded in spectacular fashion with a blistering first-round submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July. By securing the finish in just 52 seconds, Pimblett not only erased any doubts about his ability to bounce back from defeat but also violently thrust himself right back into the thick of the championship conversation, instantly revitalizing his pursuit of UFC gold.
Meanwhile, the lightweight title picture continued to shift rapidly. Gaethje solidified his standing at the absolute pinnacle of the weight class by capturing the undisputed lightweight championship with a statement-making victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June. The crowning achievement set off a new wave of potential matchups, rivalries, and championship aspirations across the 155-pound division.
While Pimblett shares a well-documented, heated rivalry with Topuria—a lingering animosity that has captured the imagination of fans worldwide—his ultimate North Star remains the undisputed championship belt itself. When forced to weigh personal grievances against professional legacy, the Liverpool native makes it clear that gold outweighs personal animosity every single time. Consequently, Pimblett admits he would bypass a grudge match with Topuria in favor of securing a second crack at the man who currently holds the division’s ultimate prize.
“I’d take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia, because I want to be a world champion,” Pimblett explained during his podcast appearance. “I hate Ilia, don’t get me wrong. Obviously, I’d rather beat Ilia than beat Justin, but Justin’s got the belt and that’s what we do it for. To be recognized as the best in the world, to be the undisputed champion. That’s been my goal since I was 15, 16, so that’s what I want to do.”
Reflecting further on how a second fight against the seasoned veteran would play out, Pimblett left no ambiguity regarding his tactical shift. Having already tested the waters on the feet and suffered the consequences, the brash English star knows that reverting to his roots is the smartest path to victory against a striker of Gaethje’s caliber.
“If I fought him again, I’d shoot in in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back and choke his ass out,” Pimblett stated.
As the lightweight division moves forward and the championship landscape continues to evolve, Pimblett remains laser-focused on his ultimate ambition. Whether a rematch with Justin Gaethje materializes in the near future or the turbulent waters of the division lead him down another path entirely, "The Baddy" has made it abundantly clear that any future encounter with the reigning champion will look drastically different from their first meeting inside the Octagon.
