Paddy Pimblett Blasts Islam Makhachev for Questioning UFC Resume: “JDM Batters Him”

UFC top lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett snaps at former pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev over latest comments.

Paddy Pimblett Blasts Islam Makhachev for Questioning UFC Resume: “JDM Batters Him”

Paddy Pimblett backs Jack Della Maddalena to beat Islam Makhachev (via X)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Before moving to the UFC welterweight division, Islam Makhachev used to completely dominate the lightweight division. The fighter defended his championship title a record four times, proving his unmatched consistency against elite challengers. 

Now, Ilia Topuria has taken his position, yet Makhachev still closely follows the lightweight scene and has developed a beef with Paddy Pimblett. Among the top lightweight contenders expected to face Topuria next, Pimblett has emerged as the leading favorite for the opportunity.

However, Islam Makhachev recently questioned this during an interview, arguing that the British fighter has not yet done enough to deserve a title shot. These remarks angered Pimblett, who has now publicly supported Jack Della Maddalena ahead of his upcoming fight against Makhachev at UFC 322.

I hope JDM batters him. I think JDM is a much better boxer, and if he can keep it on the feet, then he will absolutely batter him — and I hope he does. Islam was chatting pony the other day, saying, ‘Who have I beaten?’ He got a title shot off beating Bobby Green — someone I beat faster than you. You little bum — so how about that one, Islam? Get back down to lightweight and I’ll punch your head in as well.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC Europe 

A few months ago, Makhachev expressed interest in fighting Pimblett if the Scouser managed to defeat several top-ranked lightweight contenders. However, Makhachev made it clear that beating Michael Chandler alone wouldn’t qualify as a credible achievement worthy of earning a title opportunity.

Interestingly, Pimblett initially supported Makhachev when the UFC allegedly pressured him to vacate his title, but their relationship has drastically changed. Other than being on an undefeated streak in UFC, Pimblett has also managed to create a huge fan base for himself.

On top of that, his long-standing rivalry with Topuria has raised interest among fans who want to see the grudge fight. All these reasons have now made the fighter a suitable choice to fight against the ‘El Matador’. Islam Makhachev also shares an ongoing rivalry with Topuria, which fans believe could be the biggest fight in today’s UFC.

Despite that excitement, the Dagestani has dismissed any possibility of facing the current pound-for-pound king in the lightweight division anytime soon. Before considering any of those potential matchups, Makhachev must first overcome the tough challenge awaiting him in the upcoming weeks.

Islam Makhachev gets a warning ahead of the Jack Della Maddalena clash 

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena is regarded as one of the most highly anticipated UFC fights of 2025. For Makhachev, this matchup presents a rare chance to achieve something even his mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov never accomplished: holding two championship belts.

Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena
Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena (via X)

The Dagestani has taken his training camp seriously and was recently seen appearing noticeably bigger ahead of the welterweight debut.  Ahead of the clash, Makhachev enters as the clear betting favorite due to his fifteen-fight winning streak and elite wrestling.

While his striking continues to evolve impressively with each performance, it’s his submission game that makes him extremely dangerous. Despite these overwhelming odds, Della Maddalena appears completely unfazed and confident, showing no concern about the apparent stylistic mismatch whatsoever.

He’s probably, in his best mind, thinking: take me down, hold me down, and submit me. I think in the grappling, I’ll be able to surprise him. I believe I’ve got the right techniques for his sort of game — I think it’ll throw him off a bit.

Jack Della Maddalena via FOX Sports Australia 

JDM isn’t viewing Islam Makhachev as just a lightweight moving up, but as a fully capable welterweight contender. The Australian champion has boldly promised to finish Makhachev spectacularly and make the Madison Square Garden crowd erupt. It will be fascinating to witness whether the fighter can prevent Makhachev from capturing a second UFC title.

Also Read: