Speaking on the “How U Livin J Piven” podcast, Pimblett said he’s going to get down to fighting right away, not trading like he did when they first met. Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision at
UFC 324 in January to claim the interim lightweight title, handing “The Baddy” his first UFC loss.
Paddy Pimblett explains why he ditched his striking approach against Justin Gaethje after UFC 324
“If I fought him again, I’d shoot in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back and choke his ass,” Pimblett said.
The 31-year-old previously admitted that his ego got in the way of his game plan against Gaethje. Rather than relying on his fight, Pimblett wanted to prove he could land punches with one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. Gaethje eventually won after five rounds.
Pimblett won the first round with a win over Benoit Saint Denis
UFC 329 in July, finishing in 52 seconds to rekindle his title aspirations.
Gaethje had captured the undisputed lightweight championship by defeating him Ilia Topuria at
UFC Freedom 250 in June. Although Pimblett has a long-standing rivalry with Topuria, he would prefer a second chance against Gaethje as winning the title remains his priority.
“I would take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia because I want to be world champion,” Pimblett added. “I hate Ilia, don’t get me wrong…Obviously I prefer Ilia to beat Justin, but Justin has the belt and that’s what we’re in 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 and 16, so that’s what I want to do.”
