By Ahmed Abdelsalam
UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has admitted he would employ a radically different gameplan if he faces Justin Gaethje again, saying he would shoot for a takedown within the first 10 seconds of a rematch.
One-sided loss prompts reassessment
In January, Gaethje handed Pimblett his first UFC defeat via a one-sided decision to claim the interim lightweight title. Pimblett largely stood and traded strikes with the more powerful Gaethje, despite his superior grappling skills. Gaethje went on to stop Ilia Topuria in June to become undisputed champion, while Pimblett rebounded in July with a first-minute D’Arce choke submission of Benoit Saint-Denis.
Pimblett targets title over rivalry
Speaking to actor and comedian Jeremy Piven, Pimblett said he would prioritize a rematch with Gaethje over a grudge match with Topuria because the belt is his primary goal. He also suggested Gaethje might retire after achieving the peak of winning the title at the White House. Arman Tsarukyan is currently viewed as Gaethje’s most likely next challenger, though a Topuria rematch has also been rumored.
