Paddy Pimblett gives brutally honest preview of potential Islam Makhachev showdown: "I don’t think any man on this planet could beat me"
Paddy Pimblett has shared his preview of how he'd fare against Islam Makhachev in a possible fight. 'The Baddy' reaffirmed his respect for Makhachev but warned that he'd defeat the lightweight kingpin.
Liverpool's Pimblett currently sits in the No. 13 position in the official UFC lightweight rankings. The grappling savant is hailed by many as a future UFC champion. On the other hand, Russia's Makhachev is the reigning lightweight king and is also the organization's No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter. The 33-year-old is beheld as one of the very best grapplers in MMA today.
On influencer StillRyan's StillTalkingShow podcast, Paddy Pimblett recently addressed various topics, including a possible clash against Islam Makhachev. 'The Baddy' stated:
"People always say, 'Do you think you'd beat Islam Makhachev?' I'm like, 'Obviously.' You've got to. Do you think I'm gonna sit here and, 'Oh, no, he'd beat me.' Then, I'm not a fighter. I'm a coward."
In response to being told that Makhachev would probably watch the interview, Pimblett said:
"Someone actually asked him about me the other week ... He said if he [Pimblett] keeps winning fights, then he might get a title shot."
When asked what he'd say to Makhachev if he watched the interview, Pimblett stated:
"I respect Islam. I mean, he's a great champion. People will probably laugh at me for saying this. But obviously, I think I'd beat him. I don't think any man on this planet could beat me if I ever got into a cage with them. I think I'd beat everyone."
Additionally, Pimblett feels Makhachev doesn't stand a chance against him if they were to clash inside an MMA cage. He further opined that if one thinks that any of one's rivals can beat them, then they're in the wrong sport and should probably opt for a team activity like football, rugby, cricket, basketball, or hockey.
Watch the complete episode below (comments at 3:48):
Islam Makhachev vs. Paddy Pimblett: When 'The Baddy' responded to the champ's comments
At a UFC media scrum earlier this year, lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev discussed whether he'd grant Paddy Pimblett a title shot.
The Dagestani indicated that if Pimblett continues his winning ways and enters the top 10 of the 155-pound division, he'd be open to facing the Englishman.
Taking to his YouTube channel, Pimblett subsequently responded by emphasizing that he is indeed working his way to a fight against Makhachev:
"You know, Islam, we're coming. We're coming, brother. We're coming."
Check out Pimblett's response below:
Islam Makhachev last competed in June 2024 and was later sidelined with a hand injury. He'll reportedly defend his UFC lightweight championship in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 311 on Jan. 18, 2025.
Meanwhile, Paddy Pimblett last fought in July 2024 and has been linked to a possible fight against Brazil's Renato Moicano.