Paddy Pimblett believes the outcomes of the UFC 315 event will have considerable consequences for his career and the lightweight division.
The prominent lightweight contender watched remotely as Jack Della Maddalena defeated welterweight champion Belal Muhammad in Montreal on Saturday night. Following the bout, lightweight champion Islam Makhachev announced his intention to move up to challenge the new 170lb titleholder.
Pimblett predicts this move will profoundly affect himself and other fighters aiming for the UFC lightweight championship.
Pimblett`s Take on UFC 315
Sharing his live reactions on YouTube, Paddy Pimblett stated after the main event, “This is going to shake up my division in a big way.”
He offered his thoughts on a potential fight between Della Maddalena and Makhachev, while also contemplating the repercussions for his developing MMA career.
“Della vs Islam, he showed he’s got good takedown defense,” Pimblett commented, acknowledging Della Maddalena`s skill. However, he added, “But Islam is a different beast, isn’t he?”
Pimblett mused on how Makhachev`s strength might translate to the welterweight division and expressed uncertainty about the future of the lightweight title picture. “So, we’ll have to see how his strength transfers up to welterweight,” he said. “Let’s see what happens in my division now. Who ends up fighting for the belt and who ends up getting the belt. Could have big implications for my career going forward.”
Pimblett`s Next Steps
Paddy Pimblett secured a major win by knocking out Michael Chandler at UFC 314, establishing himself as a top lightweight contender. Weeks later, the 30-year-old Englishman is still celebrating this significant victory.
Although his notable weight fluctuations have drawn attention recently, Pimblett has ample time to prepare, as he does not plan to compete again until October.
“My plan even before the fight was to fight in Abu Dhabi in October,” he stated earlier. “I’ve always wanted to fight there. The UFC always do a pay-per-view there in October.”
He views the timing as ideal for his return. “I just think it would be the perfect time to come back. Recharge my batteries over the summer, keep training every day, keep the weight down, and then go right back into camp in August or September.”
Rupert Hartwell