UFC Lightweight Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett reveals satisfaction from rivals' defeats, eyeing a path to championship glory despite past challenges.
UFC lightweight contender Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett is openly embracing the power of "hate watches," admitting that recent rival defeats have provided him with immense satisfaction. From witnessing Arsenal's Champions League heartbreak to reveling in the stunning downfall of his long-term adversary Ilia Topuria, Pimblett finds motivation in the misfortunes of others, positioning himself for a pivotal next phase in his career.
The Liverpool native was recently seen celebrating from the Puskas Arena rafters in Budapest as Arsenal fell short in the Champions League final, a moment he openly admitted hoping for a 5-0 demolition by Paris Saint-Germain. This personal joy was mirrored weeks later when Ilia Topuria, his bitter rival, lost his lightweight title and undefeated record to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, an event held at the White House.
"I've had two major hate watches in the past two weeks that have been successful," Pimblett stated, barely concealing his glee, conforme informação divulgada por The Independent - Sport.
The Sweetness of Rival Heartbreak for Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett's vocal scorn for Arsenal fans was evident during his appearance on CBS Sports' Champions League final build-up, where he declared, "Forza PSG." He watched with delight as Gabriel missed the decisive penalty, sealing Arsenal's fate. This feeling of schadenfreude quickly became a familiar sensation for Paddy Pimblett.
Just over two weeks later, Pimblett witnessed his long-standing rival, Ilia Topuria, suffer a devastating defeat against Justin Gaethje. Topuria was not only stunned but also hospitalized with two broken orbital bones and a busted nose, an outcome that "The Baddy" clearly savored, finding it to be a form of karmic justice.
Vindication After the Justin Gaethje Battle
The satisfaction derived from Topuria's demise was multifaceted for Pimblett. The 31-year-old fighter had endured months of taunts regarding his own loss to Gaethje at UFC 324, where he entered as a favorite for interim gold but was ultimately defeated in a five-round war. Critics had perceived him as being "fast-tracked" and failing to live up to the hype.
However, Gaethje's subsequent demolition of the previously undefeated Topuria within four rounds at UFC Freedom 250 offered significant vindication for Pimblett. It demonstrated unequivocally that a loss to Gaethje, now the undisputed world champion, was no embarrassment. "I knew that anyway, you know what I mean?" Pimblett assured. "There was a bit of vindication."
Pimblett maintains his confidence never wavered, even claiming his defeat was influenced by an illegal eye gouge from Gaethje. "I went five rounds with who is now the undisputed world champion, and I made the fight competitive all the way through it," he stated, adding he believed he only lost the second round due to an eye poke.
Pimblett's Fierce Criticism of Ilia Topuria's Corner
Pimblett also publicly took issue with the manner of Topuria’s loss to Gaethje. Despite Topuria's corner throwing in the towel after a brutal fourth round, Pimblett interpreted this as a sign of weakness from "El Matador."
He ferociously lambasted Topuria for "quitting on the stool" on his YouTube channel, reiterating his scathing criticism in the interview. "I didn’t quit on the stool like a little b****," Pimblett declared emphatically. "That's how I saw it."
Pimblett stressed his own fighting spirit, asserting he would never allow his corner to stop a fight. "I will fight with every last breath I have in my body to win this fight, just like I did when I fought him [Gaethje]," he insisted, highlighting his unwavering determination.
Future Fights: Benoit Saint-Denis, Gaethje Rematch, and Topuria Grudge
Looking ahead, Paddy Pimblett has his sights set on his next challenge: Benoit Saint-Denis. The former French special forces soldier, known for his formidable punching power, will face Pimblett in the co-main event of UFC 329 on July 11, a card headlined by Conor McGregor's return against Max Holloway. Pimblett, however, remains unfazed by "BSD" hype.
"I didn't think Justin Gaethje hit that hard, and everyone says he’s the hardest hitter that you’ve ever been hit by. BSD’s slow compared to Justin," Pimblett confidently stated, dismissing concerns about Saint-Denis' power and his own chin. "I can’t see him hitting me that much, and even if he does, I’ll laugh in his face."
Beyond Saint-Denis, Pimblett's primary desire is a rematch with Gaethje, which he feels would be a just reward for dispatching "BSD." A grudge match with Ilia Topuria also looms, intensified by their blood feud that began with an altercation in 2022. A title eliminator against Topuria could be viable if Pimblett wins at UFC 329, though it isn't his first choice.
However, Topuria's recent injuries, including two broken orbital bones, may sideline him for the rest of the year. Pimblett expresses sympathy for Topuria's personal issues, including a highly-publicized divorce, but prioritizes activity. "I want to fight again before the end of the year, and I doubt if he’s going to be ready to," he concluded, aiming to finish Saint-Denis quickly and return to the octagon soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Paddy Pimblett recently "hate watch"?
Paddy Pimblett recently "hate watched" Arsenal's defeat in the Champions League final and, more significantly, his rival Ilia Topuria's loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.
What was the outcome of Paddy Pimblett's fight against Justin Gaethje?
Paddy Pimblett lost to Justin Gaethje in a five-round war at UFC 324. Although Pimblett claims the defeat was influenced by an illegal eye gouge, Gaethje later went on to become the undisputed world champion.
Who is Paddy Pimblett fighting next in the UFC?
Paddy Pimblett is scheduled to fight Benoit Saint-Denis in the co-main event of UFC 329 on July 11. He aims to defeat Saint-Denis swiftly to pursue further high-profile matchups.
What is the status of a potential Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria fight?
While a grudge match between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria remains a strong possibility, it is currently uncertain. Topuria sustained significant injuries, including two broken orbital bones, in his recent fight, which may rule him out of action until next year.