Paddy Pimblett Outlines Plan for Potential Justin Gaethje Rematch

Justin Gaethje kicked off his 2026 championship campaign by defeating Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in January before going on to upset Ilia Topuria for the undisputed championship. Following the defeat, Pimblett faced criticism for failing to utilize his grappling and later admitted that his ego interfered with his strategy. The British lightweight has since rebounded in emphatic fashion, securing a 52-second submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis.

Should the opportunity for a rematch with Gaethje arise, Pimblett plans to abandon the striking exchanges entirely. Speaking on "How U Livin J Piven," Pimblett explained his revised approach to facing the champion. "Yeah, if I fought him again, I’d shoot in within 10 seconds," Pimblett said with a laugh. "If I fought him again, I’d shoot in in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back and choke his ass out."

Pimblett acknowledged that he is not currently at the front of the line for Gaethje's first title defense, which could involve contenders such as Topuria or Arman Tsarukyan. He also suggested that Gaethje, who turns 38 in November, might decide to step away from the sport altogether following his title victory at the White House.

Despite a bitter, long-running rivalry with Topuria that has previously sparked physical altercations outside the cage, Pimblett maintained that his primary focus remains capturing the championship. "I’d take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia, because I want to be a world champion," Pimblett said. "I hate Ilia, don’t get me wrong...

Obviously, I’d rather beat Ilia than beat Justin, but Justin’s got the belt and that’s what we do it for. To be recognized as the best in the world, to be the undisputed champion. That’s been my goal since I was 15, 16, so that’s what I want to do."