Fighters love defying expectations and proving doubters wrong with unexpected game plans and performances. Everyone assumes certain stylistic approaches based on past fights and known strengths. Grapplers are expected to wrestle, strikers expected to keep it standing. But the best competitors evolve constantly, adding new weapons to surprise opponents. And Paddy Pimblett aims to showcase exactly that at UFC 324.<\/p>
Pimblett has built his UFC career primarily through grappling excellence and submission victories. The Liverpudlian secured impressive finishes using his Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt skills throughout his promotional run. Most recently, he knocked out Michael Chandler in the third round at UFC<\/a> 314 in April, showcasing improved striking. Now he is confident in his ability to knock out Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, claiming everyone will be shocked when he stands and trades with one of the division’s most dangerous strikers rather than immediately shooting takedowns.<\/p> Pimblett faces Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas this January. Given Gaethje’s reputation as a hard-hitting striker with impressive wrestling pedigree from his college days, many expect ‘The Highlight’ to push Pimblett into deep waters during standup exchanges. Conventional wisdom says Pimblett should grapple Gaethje immediately, using his superior submission skills to neutralize the American’s power.<\/p> But Pimblett has different plans entirely. Speaking with Red Corner MMA<\/strong>, the British fighter made a bold prediction that caught people’s attention. He stated everyone’s going to be shocked because he thinks he will knock Gaethje out. People won’t expect that outcome according to Pimblett, who believes fans assume he will grapple and take Gaethje down immediately.<\/p> “Everyone’s going to be shocked because I think I’ll knock him out. People think I’m just gonna grapple and take him down, but I’m not. I don’t see him getting past the third round, just like Chandler.”<\/em><\/strong><\/p>Paddy Pimblett Shares A Major Prediction<\/h2>