They said he'd never wear UFC gold unless he changed one thing. And now, that prediction will be put to the ultimate test.
Paddy Pimblett’s long-awaited UFC title shot is finally set, marking a major milestone in the career of the Liverpool native. In a move that has fans divided, Dana White announced that Pimblett will meet the powerhouse Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship—a controversial matchup that already has fight circles buzzing.
The bout headlines UFC 324 in Las Vegas on January 24, 2026. With reigning champion Ilia Topuria stepping away for personal reasons, the door opened for “The Baddy” to chase gold in the new year. But here’s where things get interesting—some believe an old habit could be the very thing that keeps him from UFC glory.
One former champion, TJ Dillashaw, famously warned years ago that Pimblett’s approach outside the cage might eventually catch up to him. Fans who’ve followed the Liverpudlian since his 2021 debut know he made waves not just for his explosive fighting style, but also for his distinctive lifestyle between bouts. Between fight camps, Pimblett has become notorious for rapidly gaining—and later shedding—massive amounts of weight.
Dillashaw didn’t mince words in an appearance on The Schaub Show back then. He believed Pimblett’s fluctuating physique wasn’t just a quirk—it was a warning sign.
“The UFC can market him, and the kid’s clearly talented,” Dillashaw said. “But if he keeps living and training the way he is right now, he’ll never become champion. You can’t balloon up between fights. You can’t live undisciplined and expect to perform like an elite fighter.” He went on to emphasize that success in the UFC requires constant commitment, saying, “This job isn’t about wanting to fight—you have to be a fighter every single day.”
That statement aged awkwardly for Pimblett supporters when, following his impressive TKO win against Michael Chandler earlier this year, he admitted to gaining around 43 pounds in just one week. Speaking on Bruce Buffer’s IT’S TIME podcast, he confessed, “I woke up at 198 pounds this morning… that’s about as heavy as I get.” Given he weighed in at 155 pounds days earlier, fans were stunned at his candid admission.
Despite the weight rollercoaster, Pimblett has never missed the mark on fight day, consistently making weight before each of his UFC appearances. Still, critics argue that such extreme fluctuations put unnecessary strain on his body and long-term performance. Others say it showcases his discipline—the ability to cut down and deliver results regardless of what happens between bouts.
Here’s a quick look at Pimblett’s UFC ledger so far:
| Opponent | Method of Victory |
|-----------|-------------------|
| Michael Chandler | TKO |
| King Green | Submission |
| Tony Ferguson | Decision |
| Jared Gordon | Decision |
| Jordan Leavitt | Submission |
| Kazula Vargas | Submission |
| Luigi Vendramini | KO |
On paper, Pimblett’s record showcases both variety and victory—but is it championship material? That’s the debate now lighting up the MMA community.
Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje enters with six finishes inside the UFC Octagon, compared to Pimblett’s five. Statistically speaking, the matchup is as stylistically thrilling as it is unpredictable. However, with Dillashaw’s warnings now echoing louder than ever, the question remains: can Pimblett prove he’s more than a hype machine?
For the Scouser, UFC 324 isn’t just about capturing gold—it’s about silencing every critic who doubted his discipline. If he can cut the weight safely, execute his game plan, and walk out of Las Vegas with the belt, it will mark a defining moment not just in his career, but in modern UFC history.
But here’s where it gets controversial: should fighters be held to the same physical standards year-round, or does the ability to transform before each fight prove their mental toughness? Is Pimblett undisciplined—or just a fighter who enjoys life between wars?
What do you think? Is Paddy Pimblett’s lifestyle a serious red flag, or just another thing that makes him unpredictable and authentic? Sound off in the comments—this one’s going to divide opinions.
