Paddy Pimblett is genuinely confused by Charles Oliveira being the underdog in his fight against Islam Makhachev
Follow Us
Pimblett backs Oliveira to win at UFC 280
Paddy Pimblett is legitimately confused as to how Charles Oliveira can be the underdog in his upcoming main event against Islam Makhachev. Detailing on a near 40-minute prediction video alongside UFC commentator Jon Anik, Pimblett expressed shock at all the odds makers having Oliveira as an under-dog.
Oliveira gained the vacant title back in 2021. He defended it once against Dustin Poirier. Shortly before his second defense at UFC 274 against Justin Gaethje, he was stripped of the belt for having missed the lightweight limit at the scales. He regardless went to finish Gaethje in the first round and will now fight Makhachev, a protege of former undefeated champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“I just don’t understand it. The people who he’s finished in a row, what he’s done to Tony, I don’t understand how he’s the underdog”, said Pimblett talking to Anik on his YouTube channel. The Liverpool native credited the Brazilian of boasting one of the most memorable runs seens in MMA through the recent years.
Expressing his fondness for Oliveira’s high-pressure style of fighting Pimblett said, “I like Charles to win. He’s one of my favorite fighters to watch. He’s brilliant. But the only way I see Islam winning is if he sits on top of him for five rounds, and I don’t see anyone doing that to Charles.”
He then went on to give his final prediction for the fight saying, ” from my point of view, I think Charles will get the finish in three rounds. But I’ve seen him in an interview saying he’ll knock him out in one. If it goes to decision, it’s Makhachev. ” Pimblett then cited experience at the top ultimately being the factor that tipped the scales in Oliveira’s favour. He said, ” I’m going with Charles personally. I just think he’s fought a higher caliber of opponents. He knows how to get through these hard times.”
Related : WATCH: Ready for Light Heavyweight? Paddy Pimblett UNSURPRISINGLY checks in overweight on the scale
When will Paddy Pimblett compete next?
While nowhere near title contention, Pimblett is undoubtedly one of the biggest names currently in the bottom half of the lightweight division. This was only boosted after his most recent win over tried and tested fighter, Jordan Leavitt in only the second round.
Pimblett has expressed his wish to fight at the year ending, UFC 282 card. Talking to the Cage Warriors broadcast team he said, “I’m just waiting for an opponent, lad. I’m just waiting for an opponent to step up and sign the dotted line.”
Potential opponents are yet to be revealed however fellow unranked lightweight prospect, Terrance McKinney has repeatedly called out the Scouser. If he manages to secure a spot on the card, it will mark gis first since his UFC debut to fight on a card not featuring fellow teammate Molly McCann who will fight at UFC 281.
Also Read: “I’m fighting on” – Paddy Pimblett reveals the date of his next fight in the octagon
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)