Justin Gaethje makes lopsided prediction for potential Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett fight between former rivals

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje believes a potential fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett won’t be very competitive.

Justin Gaethje pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history when he handed Ilia Topuria his first career loss last month at UFC Freedom 250. In an instant classic, Gaethje defeated Topuria by TKO to win the undisputed lightweight championship.

As Gaethje prepares for a likely showdown with top contender Arman Tsarukyan, Topuria might have to win at least one fight before earning another title shot. This could lead to Topuria fighting Paddy Pimblett next if Pimblett is victorious this weekend at UFC 329 against Benoit Saint-Denis.

Topuria and Pimblett are two former rivals of Gaethje, after Gaethje defeated Pimblett to win the interim title earlier this year at UFC 324. Despite the bad blood between Topuria and Pimblett, Gaethje doesn’t believe a potential fight would live up to the immense hype.

Justin Gaethje: ’97 times out of 100′ Ilia Topuria beats Paddy Pimblett

In a recent interview with Paramount+, Gaethje was asked about a potential Topuria vs. Pimblett fight after UFC 329.

“Ilia is one of the best in the world,” Gaethje said of Topuria and Pimblett facing off.

“However, Paddy Pimblett is goofy. He’s got a funky style, not goofy in a bad way. Being goofy is such an asset. 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.

“That’s why guys like Sean Strickland and Dricus du Plessis have success, because their timing is just different and funky,” Gaethje continued. “Having a funky style is hard to figure out the first time you are fighting somebody. I think Ilia is way more dangerous. I think fighting is crazy. In my mind, 97 out of 100 times, Ilia beats him up.” (h/t Bloody Elbow)

What is your prediction for Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!