"Get back down to lightweight" - Paddy Pimblett rips into Islam Makhachev, wants Jack Della Maddalena to win at UFC 322

Paddy Pimblett outlines his preferred outcome for the UFC 322 main event. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]
Paddy Pimblett outlines his preferred outcome for UFC 322 main event. [Image courtesy: Getty Images]

Paddy Pimblett recently sounded off on Islam Makhachev and backed Jack Della Maddalena to beat the Dagestani grappling savant later this month.

Ad

Last month, Makhachev took shots at Pimblett and questioned the Liverpudlian's resume. The former UFC lightweight champion dismissed the idea of Pimblett potentially getting a title shot against Ilia Topuria and claimed the Englishman hasn't faced any tough challenges in the cage.

In an interview with UFC Europe, Pimblett fired back at Makhachev and warned the Dagestani fighter against returning to the lightweight division. 'The Baddy' explained why he wanted Della Maddalena to beat Makhachev in their welterweight title fight at UFC 322 on Nov. 16 and said:

Ad
"I hope JDM [Della Maddalena] absolutely punches his little head in. I hope JDM batters him. I think JDM’s a much better boxer. If he can keep it on the feet, then he will absolutely batter him, and I hope he does."

Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more

Addressing Makhachev's comments about his resume, Pimblett continued:

"Islam was chatting pony the other day, asking who I have beaten when he got a title shot at lightweight off beating Bobby Green, someone who I beat faster than you, you little b*m. So, how about that one, Islam? Get back down to lightweight and I’ll punch your little head in as well.”
Ad
Ad

Islam Makhachev on Paddy Pimblett potentially getting a title shot

Given their rivalry, Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria are strongly rumored to throw down in a lightweight title fight at some point next year.

In an interview with ESPN MMA (via @HappyPunch on X), Islam Makhachev explained his stance on Pimblett possibly getting the next title opportunity and said:

''Now I don't know who's gonna be next for Ilia. Maybe Arman [Tsarukyan], maybe [Justin] Gaethje, but not Paddy, for sure. Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson? Who else he beat? [Michael] Chandler? Everybody beat Chandler. He can do some things, but I don’t see a big chance. I don’t know, maybe, honestly, it’s not a big challenge for Topuria. Arman is a really big deal. If he beats Arman, because Arman has good skills in striking, wrestling, and grappling, he’s a good fighter. Paddy, nobody checked Paddy before.''

Quick Links

Edited by Nishant Zende.
Sportskeeda logo
Close menu
WWE
WWE
NBA
NBA
NFL
NFL
MMA
MMA
Tennis
Tennis
NHL
NHL
Golf
Golf
MLB
MLB
Soccer
Soccer
F1
F1
WNBA
WNBA
down arrow icon
More
bell-icon Manage notifications