Many aren’t joyful that beating Michael Chandler earned Paddy Pimblett a title shot.
‘The Baddy’ finds himself fast approaching a controversial first UFC title shot, which comes after he prolonged his perfect Octagon record to 7-0 in 2025.
Pimblett dominantly beat Chandler at UFC 314 before staking his claim for a championship opportunity after his rival Ilia Topuria secured the throne.
With the Spaniard absent to cope with personal problems, Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje for interim gold at UFC 324 on January 24.
And to those dismissing the importance of his performance against Chandler, Pimblett says to have a look at how ‘The Highlight’ did against the ex-Bellator champion.
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Who comes out on top at UFC 324: Justin Gaethje or Paddy Pimblett?
Just one man can secure the interim lightweight title on January 24.
Paddy Pimblett uses Justin Gaethje war to defend his 2025 victory over Michael Chandler
The choice to grant Pimblett a title shot off the back of his TKO against Chandler drew immediate backlash, with many furious that the UFC neglected top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
‘The Baddy’ has been defended his upcoming opportunity, and he recently did so again by reminding his haters that his next opponent was taken all of the approach to the scorecards in a brutal battle between Gaethje and Chandler.
“I would like to indicate everyone how good my striking is, identical to I did against Chandler,” Pimblett said on UFC Unfiltered.
“Gaethje went life and death with Chandler as well. People can say Chandler is washed all they need, but he went to a call with Charles Oliveira five months before I fought him.
“People can just move the goalposts all they need with me,” he added.
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Michael Chandler predicts Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett
Having experienced each men’s talents firsthand contained in the Octagon, Chandler is well-placed to present his assessment of the upcoming UFC 324 major event.
The previous three-time Bellator champion did just that in a recent interview with ESPN, revealing that he’s backing Gaethje to get it done against Pimblett.
“Gaethje is an entire different animal,” Chandler said.
“So, if I needed to bet, which I can’t, but when I needed to lean one direction I’d go Justin Gaethje. Interim champion after which he beats Ilia Topuria in a while this 12 months,” he added.
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