Paddy Pimblett remains to be a couple of wins away from a title shot, but when he will get there, he’s totally assured he defeats the champion.
Even when that champion’s identify is Islam Makhachev.
At present No. 1 at 155 kilos and No. 1 within the MMA Preventing Pound-for-Pound Rankings, Makhachev is in the course of a dominant UFC light-weight championship reign. Makhachev ran by means of Charles Oliveira to say the title in 2022 and has efficiently defended it three consecutive instances whereas extending his present win streak to 14 straight fights.
Pimblett is on a positive streak of his personal at eight straight, together with all six of his UFC appearances, and he was requested if his sights are set solely on the highest of the division.
“After all, folks at all times say, ‘Do you suppose you’d beat Islam Makhachev?’” Pimblett mentioned on the StillTalkingShow podcast. “I’m like, ‘Clearly.’ You’ve bought to. Do you suppose I’m going to sit down right here and simply be like, ‘No, he’d beat me?’ Then I’m not a fighter. I’m a coward.”
Pimblett’s two most up-to-date wins have come towards veteran names. He defeated King Inexperienced at UFC 304 this previous July, turning into the primary fighter in almost 15 years to submit Inexperienced, and previous to that he gained a unanimous choice over the slumping Tony Ferguson.
The Liverpool native has gained loads of notoriety for his in-cage performances and his bravado, the latter of which is obvious when discussing a possible conflict with Makhachev.
“I respect Islam,” Pimblett mentioned. “He’s a terrific champion. Folks will in all probability giggle at me for saying this, however clearly, I believe I’d beat him. I don’t suppose any man on this planet would beat me if we bought in a cage, I believe I’d beat everybody.”
When Pimblett was requested point-blank whether or not Makhachev stands an opportunity towards him, he didn’t waver in his response.
“In my thoughts, no,” Pimblett mentioned. “I at all times say, anybody in your division or anybody that you simply’re rivals with can beat you, you’re within the mistaken sport. Go and do footy or rugby or cricket or basketball or hockey, the place you’ve bought a group, you may say, ‘It was fault, it was his fault.’ In a battle, it’s solely going to be your fault, nobody else’s fault.”
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Poatan.
Inform us!!!
It’s been nearly 2 weeks since I accepted the date and the opponent. Nonetheless ready to listen to again. Can’t wait to get again within the octagon, it’s been too lengthy
— Rafael “Ataman” Fiziev (@RafaelFiziev) November 25, 2024
Persistence.
I bought my black belt
17 years from begin to end and I’ve discovered a lot greater than a martial artwork.
A lot devotion has gone in to this journey.
Its taught me to be grateful when issues are good and to be affected person when issues are onerous.
Jiu jitsu modified my life.
⚔️ pic.twitter.com/9occYeh9L5— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) November 25, 2024
Ageless.
We love love.
Congrats to my dawg @vandetta135 & his girl for tying the knot. What a good time & honored to be aside of it
That they had fights on throughout the marriage ceremony & actually the usual has modified for weddings, in the event you don’t bought that or NFL on, i ain’t going. They set the brand new bar pic.twitter.com/W4JFfESDW7
— Lamb (@nickdais10) November 24, 2024
Sigh.
Yo @jakepaul watch the way you discuss to MMA royalty,I’ll battle you in MMA no weight class for no pay. That’s a terrific deal.. however i guess YOU gained’t. Cease disrespecting folks in my fucken sport homie. You preventing Tyson was your final straw.. return to boxing wrestlers. pic.twitter.com/9w83xf3mtl
— Rampage Jackson (@Rampage4real) November 25, 2024
Kennedy Nzechukwu (13-5) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (9-5-1, 1 NC); UFC 310, Dec. 7
Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1) vs. Jamahal Hill (12-2, 1 NC); UFC 311, Jan. 18
Presumably, Islam Makhachev has the Arman Tsarukyan rematch up subsequent (announcement, please?), however after that his light-weight dance card is fairly vast open. Might Paddy Pimblett discover a path to this unlikely title match? Stranger issues have occurred in fight sports activities, I’m simply saying.
Ballot
Does Paddy Pimblett ever battle for a UFC title (interim or undisputed)?
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