Paddy Pimblett has warned the UFC and Dana White upfront to not expect a repeat.
The previous Cage Warriors champion has his first likelihood to realize gold on MMA’s biggest stage at Saturday’s UFC 324 event in Las Vegas.
Having won all seven of his fights contained in the Octagon, the Scouser’s hardest test to this point is available in the primary primary event on Paramount+. Within the absence of champion Ilia Topuria, Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title.
One aspect of Pimblett’s first title shot has left him lower than pleased in recent weeks — and he’s vowing to never let it occur again…
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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 rules out fighting in January again after UFC 324
UFC 324 will mark a brand new experience for Pimblett, as he fights in January for the primary time in his profession.
But judging by his remarks while being interviewed by latest UFC host Kate Scott during CBS’ coverage of the UEFA Champions League, ‘The Baddy’ doesn’t plan on making it a habit.
He sent a message to Dana White and his promotion, telling them to not even hassle offering him fights right now moving forward because he has no intention of accepting.
“I’ve never fought this early before. That is the earliest I’ve ever fought,” Pimblett said.
“I’m never, ever fighting in January or February ever again. I just hope everyone on the UFC knows that, since it ruined my Christmas, ruined my birthday.
“I’ll never be fighting this early within the yr again,” he continued. “Next yr, get on me in March.”
With that in mind, it doesn’t appear that a title crowning in 2026 will end in Pimblett scaling back his plans to go all in at Christmas this yr, having missed out in late 2025.
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Paddy Pimblett’s weight cut is heading in the right direction
The Scouser could also be grateful to haven’t indulged too heavily over Christmas and the beginning of the brand new yr if it makes his cut to 155 kilos easier.
Pimblett recently provided a weight update days out from UFC 324, claiming that every thing is heading in the right direction as he prepares to step on the size needing to hit the championship limit for the primary time.
“I’ve still got weight to lose but I’ve got less weight to lose now than I did have 12 hours before I fought Michael Chandler,” he said through the same interview.
“I’m flying, I’m absolutely flying.”
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