“I’m a Weirdo” – Paddy Pimblett Reveals Hilarious Reason for Being Favorite Against Justin Gaethje

Interim lightweight title challenger Paddy Pimblett reveals why Justin Gaethje will not be able to keep up with him at UFC 324.

“I’m a Weirdo” – Paddy Pimblett Reveals Hilarious Reason for Being Favorite Against Justin Gaethje

Paddy Pimblett reveals the edge he has over Justin Gaethje (via Bloody Elbow)

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Paddy Pimblett has established himself as one of the most unconventional fighters in mixed martial arts. His approach in the gym and inside the cage deviates from traditional training methods. This distinctive style has contributed to his rising profile in the sport. The Liverpudlian recently highlighted the same style being the differentiator in his upcoming interim lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

Pimblett’s recent UFC performances have strengthened his standing in the lightweight division. At UFC 314, he earned a third-round technical knockout over Michael Chandler, finishing the bout with sustained ground strikes after controlling the exchanges. Earlier, he submitted Bobby Green by transitioning from a takedown into a guillotine attempt before quickly locking in a triangle choke.

Those wins accelerated Pimblett toward an interim title fight against Gaethje. The matchup places him opposite a fighter best known for heavy striking, constant pressure, and elite durability at the highest level. Gaethje’s strengths contrast sharply with Pimblett’s unconventional, grappling-focused approach. That stylistic divide set the stage for Pimblett to explain why his methods are difficult to prepare for.

I’m awkward, I’m a weirdo. I don’t wrestle like a normal person. I don’t shoot single or double legs like a normal person. I do everything differently. I’m not normal. Justin’s not gonna be able to get a sparring partner that grapples like me or strikes like me, ’cause I’m a weirdo. I’m very awkward – you can’t really get a sparring partner to do me.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC on TNT

However, Pimblett’s rise toward title contention has followed an unconventional path. After his win over Chandler at UFC 314, he was ranked eighth in the lightweight standings before moving up to fifth without another fight. The jump placed him ahead of several more active contenders still competing during that period. That shift became a notable topic of discussion within the 155-pound division.

A major factor behind Pimblett’s rise remains his marketability, driven by confident mic skills and trash talking. His visibility has been further amplified by a heated rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, dating back to 2022. Tensions between the two have resurfaced repeatedly during public appearances. The rivalry peaked most recently when they nearly brawled during fight week at UFC Qatar.

Beyond styles and rankings, the age gap between the two fighters adds another layer to the matchup. Paddy Pimblett enters the interim title fight six years younger than Gaethje, placing him closer to his physical prime. Jusyin Gaethje’s experience contrasts with the English fighter’s relative youth and long-term upside. That difference could shape both the immediate result and the division’s future direction.

Paddy Pimblett believes that he has a foolproof plan against Justin Gaethje

Justin Gaethje enters UFC 324 as one of the division’s most dangerous strikers. He built his reputation through all-out wars against Rafael Fiziev and Michael Chandler. While Paddy Pimblett shows a similar durability, his approach is more controlled. Pimblett relies on grappling, positioning, and pace management rather than constant exchanges.

Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 324
Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 (via ESPN)

Heading into UFC 324, Gaethje’s last high-profile title fight did not end well for him at UFC 300 against Max Holloway. Gaethje was knocked out in the final second of the five-round BMF championship bout after engaging on the feet throughout the fight. Pimblett has pointed to that striking exchange as a blueprint for his own game plan against Gaethje’s pressure.

I’ll keep it on the feet with him. There’s the blueprint to beat him – Max did it. You’ll see, come January 24, when we have a perfect game plan and we finish him in three.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC on TNT

The UFC 324 matchup represents a pivotal moment for both fighters in the lightweight division. Pimblett’s plan to use Holloway’s strategy as a blueprint tests Gaethje’s durability and adaptability against a more controlled, grappling‑aware opponent. A win could secure the interim title and accelerate the Liverpudlian’s rise toward a unification bout with Ilia Topuria in the near future.

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