Paddy Pimblett has admitted he will completely change his approach if he secures a rematch with Justin Gaethje. The Liverpool fighter returns to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 329, just months after his brutal interim lightweight title bout with Gaethje.
War with Gaethje
Pimblett and Gaethje clashed for the interim lightweight title earlier this year, with the winner earning a shot at Ilia Topuria. Gaethje dropped Pimblett twice before securing a historic points victory. Despite the loss, Pimblett's stock rose immensely due to his heart and toughness throughout the 25-minute war.
Pimblett wasted no time getting back to the gym. On Saturday night, he faces surging contender Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event of UFC 329 in Las Vegas. Their fight serves as chief support to Conor McGregor's comeback against Max Holloway.
Title picture
After winning the interim title, Gaethje shocked the world by making Topuria quit on his stool last month at the White House. With Gaethje now undisputed champion, many are eyeing a fight with the veteran, including Pimblett.
A win over Saint-Denis could put Pimblett in title contention. Alternatively, he might need one more victory, potentially a grudge match with Topuria. The pair have traded barbs for years and have been tipped to settle their feud.
Discussing his future, Pimblett told Mirror Fighting: "Yeah, I want to be a world champion. I want to be UFC world champion, so I'd love to get that fight against Gaethje back, but you never know. You never know what's going to happen in this sport. Anything could happen, but I think Ilia is going to have to take a bit of time off and I'm hoping to fight again before the end of the year."
Changed gameplan
Despite plaudits for his display against Gaethje, many were sceptical of Pimblett's approach. The 31-year-old was accused of abandoning his gameplan to stand and trade with Gaethje in hope of a knockout. Should he get a rematch, the Scouser promises changes.
"Hopefully I can get that rematch. Hopefully I beat BSD in a good fashion. And then you never know, can either be fighting him right away, I might have to fight someone else, but we'll have a game plan ready to beat him. I won't just come in this time and say I'm going to knock him out and swing with the man who's known for having wars. I'll actually use the game plan this time and not just try and knock him out," Pimblett said.
UFC 329 details
Watch UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2 exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office via HBO Max, EE TV, Virgin Media TV, Prime Video and Sky.
