Justin Gaethje Teases Surprise Grappling Plan for Paddy Pimblett: 'Maybe I’ll Sub Him'

Justin Gaethje may be the most reliable bonus-hunter in UFC history, but ahead of UFC 324 he’s hinting at a twist that nobody saw coming. “The Highlight” returns on Jan. 24 with a chance to become a two-time interim lightweight champion and possibly secure a unification shot with Ilia Topuria if he gets through the undefeated Paddy Pimblett.

On paper, Gaethje vs. Pimblett looks like a classic striker–grappler clash. But Gaethje insists he’s far more prepared for the ground threat than fans think.

Speaking on Submission Radio, Gaethje acknowledged the criticism of his past struggles against elite ground fighters, but emphasized that the context is often misunderstood.

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

Justin Gaethje revealed he has undergone a massive shift in his training habits since the Oliveira loss.

“Since the Charles Oliveira fight, I’ve really, really trained a lot of jiu-jitsu and grappling… I’ve actually been enjoying it more than I ever have.”

While he’s not planning to initiate grappling exchanges, he welcomes the challenge.

“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. Maybe I’ll sub him. That’s got to be million-to-one odds, though.”

Gaethje owns one submission win in his 22-fight career and that came before his UFC run making the idea of tapping Pimblett both shocking and entertaining.

Breaking Down Pimblett: “He Throws With Power and Pushes Forward”

Justin Gaethje expects Pimblett to test him early, noting that the Englishman’s pressure-heavy style sets up much of his takedown success.

“I rate his striking probably a 7 or an 8,” Gaethje said. “He really throws a lot of power into his shots… and he’s constantly moving forward. That gets him into clinch positions and takedown positions.”

Justin Gaethje plans to use angles and footwork to weaponize collisions his trademark chaos. “I create car crashes. I want to be the object that gets there first with the most force.”

Whether the fight ends in a knockout or reaches the scorecards, both men appear primed to deliver the frenetic pace fans expect.

Interim Belt Backlash: Gaethje Feels the Heat Too

Despite the action potential, the matchup has been criticized for granting Pimblett an interim title shot while No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan watches from the sidelines.

The controversy hasn’t only landed on Pimblett—Gaethje says he’s received plenty of blowback himself.

“I felt just as much hate for me as I did for him,” Gaethje admitted. “If you’re an Arman fan, you feel slighted and I understand that. But this is such a crazy game and timing is everything.”

Justin Gaethje referenced the chaos of past matchmaking decisions to illustrate the randomness of opportunity in the sport.

“I beat Dustin Poirier and then he ended up fighting for a belt after that. There are so many variables you don’t control. You just have to be ready for each one of these nights.”