Paddy Pimblett is boldly declaring that he has what it takes to dethrone Islam Makhachev if their paths ever cross in the Octagon.
“The Baddy” is on a red-hot six-fight win streak in the UFC since his electrifying debut in September 2021. He is fresh off a dominant first-round submission victory over King Green at UFC 304 in July and is now waiting in the wings for his next showdown in the Octagon.
Pimblett has demonstrated remarkable potential with a string of standout performances in the UFC. Now, brimming with self-assurance, as he believes his skills can conquer anything the division throws his way—even reigning UFC lightweight champion Makhachev.
During a recent appearance on the StillTalkingShow, Pimblett acknowledged Makhachev’s undeniable skillset but remained steadfast in his belief that he could defeat the Dagestani powerhouse if they ever shared the Octagon.
“Of course, people always say, ‘Do you think you’d beat Islam Makhachev?'” Pimblett said. “I’m like, ‘Obviously.’ You’ve got to. Do you think I’m going to sit here and just be like, ‘No, he’d beat me?’ Then I’m not a fighter. I’m a coward.
“I respect Islam. 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 would beat me if we got in a cage, I think I’d beat everyone.”
“The Baddy” further explained that his confidence in his abilities fuels his conviction that he can defeat anyone in the division, even Makhachev.
“I always say, anyone in your division or anyone that you’re rivals with can beat you, you’re in the wrong sport. Go and do footy or rugby or cricket or basketball or hockey, where you’ve got a team, you can say, ‘It was fault, it was his fault.’ In a fight, it’s only going to be your fault, no one else’s fault.”
Makhachev is riding an impressive 14-fight unbeaten streak, most recently securing his third successful title defense against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in June.
He claimed the 155-pound title with a dominant win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 in June 2022 and followed that up with back-to-back defenses against former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski last year.
