Paddy Pimblett is still a few wins away from a title shot, but if he gets there, he’s fully confident he defeats the champion.

Even if that champion’s name is Islam Makhachev.

Currently No. 1 at 155 pounds and No. 1 in the MMA Fighting Pound-for-Pound Rankings, Makhachev is in the middle of a dominant UFC lightweight championship reign. Makhachev ran through Charles Oliveira to claim the title in 2022 and has successfully defended it three consecutive times while extending his current win streak to 14 straight fights.

Pimblett is on a fine streak of his own at eight straight, including all six of his UFC appearances, and he was asked if his sights are set solely on the top of the division.

“Of course, people always say, ‘Do you think you’d beat Islam Makhachev?’” Pimblett said on the StillTalkingShow podcast. “I’m like, ‘Obviously.’ You’ve got to. Do you think I’m going to sit here and just be like, ‘No, he’d beat me?’ Then I’m not a fighter. I’m a coward.”

Pimblett’s two most recent wins have come against veteran names. He defeated King Green at UFC 304 this past July, becoming the first fighter in nearly 15 years to submit Green, and prior to that he won a unanimous decision over the slumping Tony Ferguson.

The Liverpool native has gained plenty of notoriety for his in-cage performances and his bravado, the latter of which is evident when discussing a potential clash with Makhachev.

“I respect Islam,” Pimblett said. “He’s a great champion. People will probably laugh at me for saying this, but obviously, I think I’d beat him. I don’t think any man on this planet would beat me if we got in a cage, I think I’d beat everyone.”

When Pimblett was asked point-blank whether Makhachev stands a chance against him, he didn’t waver in his response.

“In my mind, no,” Pimblett said. “I always say, anyone in your division or anyone that you’re rivals with can beat you, you’re in the wrong sport. Go and do footy or rugby or cricket or basketball or hockey, where you’ve got a team, you can say, ‘It was fault, it was his fault.’ In a fight, it’s only going to be your fault, no one else’s fault.”

TOP STORIES

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Well? Bellator star Patricio Pitbull wants to know why he isn’t being given fights.

Warrior. Daiane Silva is recovering at home in Brazil following her weight-cut-related coma.

Pshaw. Most Valuable Promotions fires back at critics saying Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson was a fixed fight.

Lesson. Dan Hooker puts a battering on IShowSpeed.

Out. Conor McGregor content to be pulled from Hitman video game.

Enough. McGregor apologizes for infidelity, still plans to appeal verdict that found him liable for sexual assault.

VIDEO STEW

UFC Macau post-fight show.

Game respects game.

Best of Rakhmonov and Machado Garry.

Chase Hooper on 2Straws.

The second-biggest star of UFC Macau.

FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR

On to the Next One. The Best Friends Alexander K. Lee and Mike Heck figure out what’s next for Petr Yan after a vintage win over Deiveson Figueiredo, plus future matchups for the rest of UFC Macau’s standouts.

Jack Slack Podcast. Jack Slack breaks down Yan’s masterful striking performance.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Poatan.

Tell us!!!

Persistence.

Ageless.

We love love.

Sigh.

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Kennedy Nzechukwu (13-5) vs. Lukasz Brzeski (9-5-1, 1 NC); UFC 310, Dec. 7

Jiri Prochazka (30-5-1) vs. Jamahal Hill (12-2, 1 NC); UFC 311, Jan. 18

FINAL THOUGHTS

Presumably, Islam Makhachev has the Arman Tsarukyan rematch up next (announcement, please?), but after that his lightweight dance card is pretty wide open. Could Paddy Pimblett find a path to this unlikely title match? Stranger things have happened in combat sports, I’m just saying.

EXIT POLL

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