Paddy Pimblett has never been one to back down from trash talk. The Liverpool fighter thrives on confrontation and loves proving doubters wrong. His UFC career has been polarizing from the start, with fans either loving his confidence or hating his outspoken personality. Recently, rumors surfaced about Pimblett potentially fighting Ilia Topuria for the lightweight title at the first numbered event of 2026. That would be a massive opportunity for ‘The Baddy’ despite his #6 in the division. Not everyone thinks he deserves it though, and Islam Makhachev is one of them.
The former lightweight champion now chasing welterweight glory, recently dismissed Pimblett as a legitimate challenger. He said ‘The Baddy’ isn’t a real challenge for Topuria and suggested others deserve the shot more. That criticism didn’t sit well with the eccentric Brit. Now Paddy Pimblett is firing back with some pointed reminders about Makhachev’s own path to the lightweight title and throwing support behind Jack Della Maddalena in the upcoming UFC 322 main event.
Speaking with UFC Europe, Paddy Pimblett (23-3) didn’t hold back his feelings about Islam Makhachev. He started by expressing hope that Jack Della Maddalena absolutely demolishes the former lightweight champion. He believes Della Maddalena is the much better boxer in that matchup and thinks if the welterweight champion can keep the fight standing, he will destroy Makhachev.
“I hope JDM absolutely punches his little head in, yeah, I hope JDM batters him. I think JDM is a much better boxer and if he can keep it on the feet then he will absolutely batter him and I hope he does.”
Pimblett’s reasoning for backing Della Maddalena so strongly is obvious. He wants to see Makhachev get humbled after talking down about his credentials.
“Islam was chatting pony the other day, saying who have I beat when he got the title shot at lightweight after beating Bobby Green, someone who I beat faster than him, the little b*m.”
That’s a legitimate point from the Liverpool fighter. Makhachev received his lightweight title shot after defeating Bobby Green, and Pimblett actually finished Green faster than Islam did. Though Green was at a different point in his career when he fought Pimblett. If that resume was good enough for Makhachev’s title opportunity, why isn’t Pimblett’s current run worthy of consideration?
(Image Credit: Sam Navarro – Imagn Images)
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