Sports · Combat Sports · 1 hr ago
Paddy Pimblett says he would use grappling in a Gaethje rematch
Paddy Pimblett wants another fight with Justin Gaethje, the UFC lightweight champion.
Gaethje beat Pimblett by unanimous decision in January, giving him his first UFC loss and winning the interim title.
Gaethje later became undisputed champion by beating Ilia Topuria in June.
Pimblett says he would go straight to grappling, aiming to take Gaethje down within the first 10 seconds and submit him.
In their first fight, Pimblett traded punches instead of relying on his grappling, which he says he would change.
A July submission win over Benoit Saint-Denis revived Pimblett's title hopes.
Pimblett says he would choose a Gaethje rematch over a fight with Topuria because Gaethje holds the belt.
A rematch is not confirmed, and Pimblett believes Gaethje may retire; another potential challenger for Gaethje is Arman Tsarukyan.
Paddy Pimblett says he would use grappling immediately if he fought Justin Gaethje again.
Pimblett said he would shoot for a takedown within the first 10 seconds and try to choke Gaethje.
Gaethje defeated Pimblett by decision in January, taking the interim lightweight title and handing him his first UFC loss.
Pimblett said he would prefer a Gaethje rematch to a fight with Ilia Topuria because he wants to become world champion.
Gaethje became undisputed lightweight champion in June, while Pimblett returned to winning form with a submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis in July.
- Who
- Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.
- What
- Pimblett said he would use grappling early in a potential rematch, rather than trade strikes.
- When
- Pimblett discussed the possibility in an interview published on October 29 and 30, 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Pimblett said he wants to become world champion, and believes grappling would be a better approach against Gaethje.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Gaethje defeated Pimblett by decision to win the interim lightweight title.
Gaethje became undisputed lightweight champion after defeating Ilia Topuria.
Pimblett submitted Benoit Saint-Denis.
Articles reported Pimblett’s comments about a potential Gaethje rematch.
- First meeting
- Gaethje defeated Pimblett by decision
- Pimblett's proposed approach
- Shoot for a takedown within the first 10 seconds
- Interim title
- Gaethje won it in January
- Undisputed title
- Gaethje became champion in June
- Pimblett's July fight
- Submitted Benoit Saint-Denis
3 sources
What people are saying
Yeah, if I fought him again, I’d shoot in within 10 seconds
If I fought him again, I’d shoot in in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back and choke his ass out
I’d take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia, because I want to be a world champion.