Paddy Pimblett anticipates excuses for Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

Paddy Pimblett can already predict what the reaction will be if he wins the UFC interim lightweight title in January.

Throughout his UFC career, Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) has been doubted in every matchup, yet he hasn't tasted defeat in the octagon. His run has led to the most significant opportunity thus far when he headlines UFC 324 on Jan. 24, facing Justin Gaethje for the interim 155-pound title. Current undisputed champion Ilia Topuria will be out of action while he deals with personal matters.

"The Baddy" has already witnessed the critical reactions to the matchup, but it's nothing new to him. Even if he becomes interim titleholder, he expects some fans to switch up the narrative and find excuses for Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) rather than celebrate his accomplishment.

"People said I'd never be ranked," Pimblett said in a UFC social media video. "People said I'd never do this, never do that. The goalposts always get moved for me. It's just normal. Once I finish Gaethje, it's gonna be, 'Oh, he was 37. He was retiring anyway. He's on his way out. He's being handed a title shot.' All this bullsh*t.

"But, when I first signed with the UFC, it was, 'He's gonna get knocked out by (Luigi) Vendramini. Oh, he's only beating journeymen. Jared Gordon beat him. Jordan Leavitt's gonna submit him.' Then it was, 'Bobby Green's gonna knock him out.' Then it was, 'Michael Chandler's gonna knock him out.' Now it's, 'Justin Gaethje's gonna knock him out.' But then, once I beat him, it'll be, 'Oh, he was old.' He's this, he's that. I'm used to it, know what I mean? People think I'm still the same fighter who come in and fought Vendramini back in September 2021, when I'm a whole different animal."

The former Cage Warriors champ will get his first crack at UFC gold on the heels of back-to-back Performance of the Night-winning finishes of King Green and Michael Chandler. It's also the first time he's fought so early in the year, which he admits will put a kink in his holiday and birthday plans.

"First ever time I've ever fought in January," Pimblett said. "The earliest I've ever fought, so to ruin me Christmas dinner and me birthday, because I'm 31 in like three weeks before it, but it's all gonna be worth it when I lift that world title above me head and Paddy 'The Baddy' is a world champion and 2026 is going to be the biggest year of me life."

Should he be successful against former interim champ Gaethje, Pimblett will be lined up to unify the title against Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC), who is expected to return after the first quarter of 2026. Pimblett wants to see if Arman Tsarukyan, the current No. 1-ranked contender, intends to stay active while things play out.

"I'm coming for that interim title, then I'll be making it the undisputed title when I come and beat Ilia Topuria up and take the undisputed title," Pimblett said. "That little posh boy, if he manages to fight in that time, because he likes sitting out and say he's got a sore back. If little posh boy fights in that time and keeps his ranking, I'll punch his head in as well."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 324: Paddy Pimblett anticipates excuses for Justin Gaethje