Darren Till has expressed strong confidence in his fellow Liverpool fighter, Paddy Pimblett, suggesting that Pimblett would achieve a decisive victory against UFC veteran Justin Gaethje in what could be a thrilling matchup. Pimblett, currently the No. 8 ranked lightweight in the UFC, is on the verge of a title shot after a series of impressive performances, including a recent win over Michael Chandler.
Till, a prominent figure in MMA from Merseyside, believes that facing Gaethje would be a significant opportunity for Pimblett’s growth as a fighter. “Paddy vs Justin Gaethje is a brilliant fight,” Till stated, predicting that Pimblett could submit Gaethje within two rounds. Gaethje, who has been recognized as one of the toughest competitors in the lightweight division, recently rebounded from a loss to Max Holloway with a victory over Rafael Fiziev, re-establishing his position in the title contention.
Support for this matchup is bolstered by the potential stakes for both fighters, as it could lead to a title eliminator for Pimblett against longtime rival Ilia Topuria. Topuria is set to challenge Charles Oliveira for the UFC lightweight championship, which could create an exciting landscape in the division. The mutual animosity between Pimblett and Topuria, dating back to a 2022 altercation, adds another layer of intrigue.
While there are other contenders above Pimblett in the lightweight rankings, Till emphasizes that Gaethje represents a viable and strategic next opponent. The options for Pimblett are narrowing as the UFC aligns its matchmaking with the fighters’ trajectories, making a bout with Gaethje both logical and appealing.
As both fighters prepare for their respective fights, the MMA community is buzzing with anticipation for potential matchups, particularly the one that could see Pimblett and Topuria face off if they both secure victories in their upcoming bouts. Given Pimblett’s undefeated stature in UFC competition, fans are eager to see how his dynamic fighting style stacks up against seasoned veterans in the sport.
This focus on rising stars and compelling matchups reflects the ongoing evolution of the lightweight division, which remains one of the most exciting in the UFC. The prospect of a clash between Pimblett and Gaethje not only excites fans but also promises to enhance the legacy of both fighters involved.