Paddy Pimblett is not short on confidence heading into his biggest test to date. The Liverpool-born lightweight believes he has identified a clear path to victory against one of the most dangerous fighters in UFC history, Justin Gaethje.
According to Pimblett, the evidence is already there, and it was put on full display in 2024 when Max Holloway delivered one of the most memorable knockouts the sport has ever seen.
As Pimblett prepares for his high-profile clash in Las Vegas, he insists that fans are overlooking a crucial part of his skill set.
While many see him as a grappler first, Pimblett argues that his striking, timing, and awkward movement give him everything he needs to secure an early finish against Gaethje.
This fight is not just about hype. It is about styles, preparation, and execution inside the Octagon.
Pimblett’s Confidence Heading Into the Fight
At 23–3, Paddy Pimblett has built his reputation on finishes, fan-friendly performances, and a fearless mindset.
While critics often question his defensive striking and durability, Pimblett remains unfazed. He believes this fight plays directly into his strengths.
Rather than rushing for takedowns or trying to outwrestle Gaethje early, Pimblett has made it clear that he plans to stand and trade at least at first.
That declaration alone has raised eyebrows, considering Gaethje’s long-standing reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the lightweight division.
But Pimblett sees things differently.
“I’ll keep it on the feet with him. There’s the blueprint there to beat him, Max Holloway did it,” Pimblett said in an interview with TNT Sport.
The UFC 300 Moment That Changed Everything
When people talk about Gaethje’s durability, they often reference his legendary wars. However, at UFC 300, the narrative shifted dramatically.
In the final seconds of his fight, Max Holloway did something few fighters would dare. He pointed to the center of the Octagon, inviting a toe-to-toe exchange with Gaethje as the clock ticked down.
What happened next is already etched into UFC history.
Holloway landed a perfectly timed right hand that dropped Justin Gaethje to the canvas at the last second of the fight, sealing a stunning knockout victory. The moment was not just dramatic, it was revealing.
For Pimblett, that finish showed something important.
Why Pimblett Believes Holloway Left a Blueprint
Pimblett does not claim to be Holloway. He does not rely on volume boxing or endless cardio in the same way.
However, he believes Holloway exposed key openings in Gaethje’s striking defense, openings that can be exploited with the right timing and approach.
According to Pimblett, the blueprint is not about reckless brawling. It is about controlled pressure, clean shots, and forcing Gaethje to exchange when he least expects it.
“Everyone underestimates my striking,” Pimblett said. “Everyone thinks I’m just going to come in and take him down. I’m not.”
That statement is central to Pimblett’s strategy. If Gaethje prepares only for wrestling-heavy attacks, Pimblett believes he can catch him off guard early.
Addressing the Doubts Around Pimblett’s Striking
Critics often point to Pimblett’s defensive lapses on the feet. He has been hit cleanly in previous fights, sometimes more than his fans would like. But Pimblett argues that perception does not tell the full story.
He points to Gaethje’s recent wars as evidence that damage accumulates, regardless of toughness.
“He had an absolute war with Michael Chandler and pieced him up,” Pimblett noted, referencing Gaethje’s brutal bout with Michael Chandler. “I know MMA math doesn’t work, but you’ll see on Jan. 24 when we have a perfect game plan.”
For Pimblett, this is not about comparing performances. It is about understanding tendencies, reactions, and timing, all of which matter far more than raw power.
The Importance of an Early Finish
One of the most striking aspects of Pimblett’s comments is his belief that the fight will not go long.
“We finish him within three rounds,” he said confidently.
That prediction aligns with Pimblett’s career pattern. He is at his most dangerous early, when his movement is sharp, and his submission threats loom large.
While Gaethje is known for late-round durability, Pimblett believes the opening rounds are where the opportunity lies.
An early finish would also silence critics who argue that Pimblett is not ready for elite competition.
Pimblett’s Grappling: The Constant Threat
Even though Pimblett insists he will stand with Gaethje, his grappling remains a crucial part of the equation.
Pimblett is widely recognized as one of the strongest grapplers in the lightweight division.
His ability to attack submissions from scrambles, transitions, and unexpected angles makes him a constant threat whenever the fight hits the mat.
What makes him dangerous, in his own words, is how unconventional his approach is.
“I don’t wrestle like a normal person,” Pimblett explained. “I don’t shoot double legs or single legs as a normal person does.”
That unpredictability is central to his confidence.
Why Pimblett Believes Gaethje Can’t Prepare for Him
Fight camps are built around replication. Fighters bring in sparring partners who mimic their opponent’s style as closely as possible. Pimblett believes that strategy simply will not work against him.
“I’m not normal,” he said bluntly. “He’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner who grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m a weirdo.”
While the wording may be casual, the point is serious. Pimblett’s awkward movement, unorthodox entries, and unusual grappling transitions are difficult to copy.
That forces Gaethje to prepare in more general terms, rather than training against a true replica.
In high-level MMA, that uncertainty can be costly.
Gaethje’s Perspective: The Veteran Advantage
From Gaethje’s side, experience is the biggest weapon. With a record of 26–5, he has faced the very best the division has to offer. He has survived wars, won Fight of the Night bonuses, and held interim gold.
Gaethje’s leg kicks, pressure, and willingness to trade have broken many opponents. If Pimblett miscalculates on the feet, the consequences could be severe.
That reality is not lost on Pimblett, but it does not deter him.
Why This Fight Matters for Pimblett’s Career
This bout represents a turning point.
A win over Gaethje would instantly elevate Pimblett from rising star to legitimate contender. It would validate his belief that he belongs at the highest level and force the division to take him seriously.
On the other hand, a loss would reinforce doubts about his readiness for elite opposition.
That pressure, however, seems to fuel Pimblett rather than overwhelm him.
The Mental Side of the Matchup
Beyond technique and strategy, Pimblett believes mindset will play a major role. He thrives in big moments, feeds off crowd energy, and enjoys proving people wrong.
Gaethje, meanwhile, is known for composure and discipline when executing a game plan.
When those two mentalities collide, the result often produces drama and sometimes chaos.
Can Pimblett Really Replicate Holloway’s Success?
Pimblett is careful not to claim he will copy Holloway’s exact approach. Instead, he believes the core lesson from UFC 300 is that Gaethje can be caught clean if pressured correctly.
Timing, accuracy, and confidence matter.
Pimblett believes he has all three.
Final Thoughts
Paddy Pimblett’s plan to beat Justin Gaethje is bold, calculated, and rooted in belief. He sees Max Holloway’s iconic UFC 300 knockout not as an anomaly, but as proof that Gaethje is human and beatable.
Whether that confidence translates into victory inside the Octagon remains to be seen. What is certain is that Pimblett is not approaching this fight with fear or hesitation.
On Jan. 24 in Las Vegas, fans will find out if the blueprint holds up or if Gaethje once again proves why he is one of the most feared fighters in MMA history.