Justin Gaethje admits having ‘issues’ in the past that play into Paddy Pimblett’s biggest strength

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Dec 11, 2025 11:05 AM ET

Many believe that each man holds a distinct advantage in the main event of UFC 324.

Justin Gaethje has big plans in mind ahead of his return next month after previously suggesting that he’d retire if he didn’t get a title shot.

In order to win the interim lightweight title on January 24, he’ll need to end the winning streak of rising contender Paddy Pimblett.

A former opponent of Gaethje’s believes that Pimblett can take advantage of the one key weakness that he sees in ‘The Highlight’.

The former BMF champion recently shared his thoughts on people predicting that ‘The Baddy’ can win if he’s able to implement his grappling.

Justin Gaethje believes Paddy Pimblett will have to hurt him on the feet to implement his grappling

While he’s suffered more losses via knockout than submission, many expect Justin Gaethje to have an advantage on the feet in his matchup with Paddy Pimblett.

Despite this, Pimblett recently said that he believes he’ll knock Gaethje out and is preparing to surprise people when he doesn’t completely focus on a grappling game plan.

‘The Highlight’ recently addressed why he believes so many people expect the grappling to favor his opponent when speaking to Submission Radio.

He admitted that he understands where this narrative comes from due to him coming up short in two previous title fights, though he did counter this at the same time.

“Recency bias. People remember [that in] the biggest fights I’ve had against the most elite grapplers, I’ve had issues,” Gaethje said. “But, you know, the way that Charles Oliveira got me to the ground was rocking me and sitting me down with a punch. Khabib [Nurmagomedov] was just a whole other conundrum.”

Oliveira also pointed to Pimblett’s grappling when breaking down where the Brit will have an advantage in the main event of UFC 324.

However, Gaethje believes that in order for ‘The Baddy’ to make use of this, he’ll have to hurt him on the feet first to secure a takedown.

“I’m not looking to grapple but I have no issue with the grappling department. My ability to keep people from taking me down is second to none, so he’s going to have to compromise me with his punches and kicks and knees and then, if that happens, then he’ll have a better chance.”

Justin Gaethje believes Paddy Pimblett’s confidence is the key to his success

The counter argument to Paddy Pimblett potentially having an advantage on the ground is that many believe Justin Gaethje will get the better of the striking exchanges.

This is an area in which ‘The Baddy’ has received both criticism and praise for the way his game has developed in recent years.

Gaethje understands both sides of this and believes that he needs to take away the key to Pimblett’s success in order to win these clashes.

“When it comes to technique, he might not be there. But, when it comes to like aggression and tenacity, I mean those are big variables when it comes to striking and those are things that he does not lack in. I’m going to need to steal his momentum and steal his confidence because that’s why he’s so effective right now.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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