Justin Gaethje Explains Why Paddy Pimblett’s ‘Goofy’ Style Still Isn’t Enough To Beat Ilia Topuria

Justin Gaethje has fought both Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria, so when the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion weighs in on the rivalry that has simmered for years, his opinion would be spot on. 

Ahead of this weekend’s UFC 329, the UFC lightweight explained why Pimblett's awkward, unpredictable style makes him a difficult puzzle for almost anyone but not, in his view, for Topuria. While "The Baddy" earned respect for going five rounds with the champion earlier this year, Gaethje believes the Spaniard possesses a level of danger that separates him from the rest of the lightweight division.

Justin Gaethje Sees Only One Winner if Topuria, Pimblett Finally Meet

Few fighters can compare Topuria and Pimblett from firsthand experience except Gaethje. The 37-year-old has shared the Octagon with both, making his assessment particularly intriguing as talk of the long-awaited grudge match continues to grow.

Asked about the matchup during the 2026 UFC Hall of Fame festivities, Gaethje was quick to acknowledge that Pimblett's unconventional style has been one of his biggest strengths.

He said, "Ilia is one of the best in the world. He's one of the most dangerous fighters that there is, and he's a lot more dangerous than Paddy Pimblett. However, Paddy Pimblett is goofy. He's got a funky style, not goofy in a bad way."

“Being goofy is such an asset,” he continued. “He's really hard to hit, really long. He moves in weird angles and at different times. That throws you off and that's why he has success.”

Gaethje added that fighters with unusual timing and movement often present problems because opponents struggle to figure them out. He even likened the Brit’s style to that of Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis, whose awkward approaches have repeatedly frustrated elite competition.

Even with that praise, the lightweight champion doesn't see the rivalry ending in Pimblett's favor - "I think Ilia is way more dangerous. Fighting is crazy. In my mind, 97 out of 100 times, Ilia beats him up."

Before Topuria,Pimblett Has Massive Test Waiting at UFC 329

As enticing as a Pimblett-Topuria showdown sounds, "The Baddy" has more immediate business to handle. The Liverpool native returns at UFC 329 for a pivotal co-main event against fifth-ranked Benoit Saint-Denis, his first fight since dropping a hard-fought unanimous decision to Gaethje in January.

Despite the loss, the 31-year-old’s willingness to stand and trade with one of the division's most feared strikers has earned him plenty of respect and arguably strengthened his standing among fans.

A victory over  Benoit Saint-Denis would put him right back in the lightweight title picture, where a clash with Topuria could become one of the UFC's biggest bouts. A defeat, however, would likely force him to take a step back while the division moves on.

Whether Gaethje's prediction is ever tested now depends largely on Saturday night. If Pimblett gets past Saint-Denis, the long-running rivalry with "El Matador" may finally be one step closer to becoming reality.