Paddy Pimblett Plans to Test Gaethje on the Feet at UFC 324: 'I’ll Keep It Standing'

Pimblett Embraces the Fire

Paddy Pimblett enters UFC 324 riding a perfect 7-0 run inside the Octagon, built on relentless pressure, durable defense, and suffocating grappling. While many expect him to wrestle early and often against Justin Gaethje, Pimblett believes his striking is still wildly underestimated.

“He had an absolute war with Michael Chandler and I pieced Chandler up,” Pimblett said. “So I know MMA math doesn’t work, but you’ll see come Jan. 24 we’ll have a perfect game plan and we finish him within three.”

That claim stands in contrast to Pimblett’s recent performances, where he leaned heavily on wrestling to neutralize dangerous opponents.

Grappling Still a Weapon Even If He Says Otherwise

Despite his talk of standing and trading, Pimblett’s resume suggests the ground game will remain a major factor. In recent wins over Michael Chandler, King Green, and Tony Ferguson, Pimblett repeatedly used takedowns and top control to sap momentum and dictate terms.

His submission win over Green was particularly notable, making Pimblett just the third fighter ever to submit the 52-fight veteran.

Gaethje, a former Division I All-American wrestler, has long relied on elite takedown defense to keep fights upright. But Pimblett insists his grappling is unconventional enough to present problems.

“I don’t wrestle like a normal person,” Pimblett said. “I don’t shoot double legs and single legs like a normal person does. I do everything differently. I’m not normal I’m a weirdo.

“He’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner that grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m so awkward.”

Respect for a Legend and a Legacy Moment

For all the bravado, Pimblett made it clear that Gaethje is a fight he’s dreamed about.

“He’s a legend. He’s someone I’ve always loved watching,” Pimblett said. “To get the chance to actually get in the cage and fight with him is unbelievable. I can’t wait to have Justin Gaethje on my resume. That’s something that lasts forever part of my legacy.”

Pimblett even joked about the stakes. “I just hope he doesn’t retire once I beat him.”

Bigger Picture: Topuria Awaits

A win at UFC 324 would deliver Pimblett his first UFC title and position him for a unification bout with longtime rival and undisputed lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. UFC CEO Dana White has already indicated the winner of the main event will be next in line.

Still, Pimblett knows skepticism won’t disappear no matter who he beats.

“It’s going to be the same,” he said. “When I beat Chandler, everyone said, ‘He’s old.’ When I beat Justin, it’ll be, ‘He’s old, he’s about to retire.’ When I beat Ilia, it’ll be, ‘He was never that good.’ The goalposts always get moved.”

On January 24, Pimblett gets another chance to silence critics not by playing it safe, but by stepping into the fire with one of the most violent strikers the sport has ever seen. Whether he stands, grapples, or blends both, one thing is certain: Paddy Pimblett plans to make UFC 324 unforgettable.