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paddy pimblett but retaliated Islam MakhachevAfter the Russians undermined the Liverpudlian’s credentials as a potential ufc Title challenger.
Pimblett has been linked to a shot at Ilya Topuria, who won the lightweight title in June After Makhachev vacated it. Now, Makhachev prepares to challenge Jack Della Maddalena for welterweight belt on 22 november,
“I don’t know how I see it playing out, but I expect ‘JDM’ to absolutely punch his little head,” the 30-year-old Pimblett told UFC Europe on Tuesday.
“I expect JDM to beat him. I think JDM is a better boxer, and if he can keep it on his feet, he will definitely beat him – and I expect he will do that.
“Islam was talking to Pony the other day and saying, ‘Who have I beaten? He got a title shot at lightweight by beating Bobby Green, who I beat faster than you, you little boy.
“So, how about that, Islam? Come back to lightweight and I’ll punch you in the head too.”
Makhachev defeated the king [formerly Bobby] Green in 2022, after the American replaced Benil Dariush at short notice. Makhachev, 34, sealed a TKO of Green in three minutes and 23 seconds, before Pimblett submitted him in three minutes and 22 seconds. So “Paddy the Baddy” beat Makhachev by one second.
After defeating Green, Makhachev defeated former champion Charles Oliveira to win the vacant lightweight belt in 2022, which the Russian retained a record-breaking four times.
Meanwhile, Pimblett continued his victory over Green by stopping former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in April.
But last week, Makhachev dismissed Pimblett’s credentials as a potential title challenger, saying: “Who did Paddy beat? Tony Ferguson, who else? Michael Chandler? Everybody beats Chandler.”
“He can do some things, but I don’t see a big chance [against Topuria]To be honest, this is not a big challenge for Topuria. desires [Tsarukyan]if it’s really a big deal [Topuria] Defeats Arman – He has good skills in striking, wrestling, melee. That’s a good fight.
“But Paddy? No one checked Paddy first.”
If Makhachev can defeat Della Maddalena, he will surpass his coach and childhood friend Khabib Nurmagomedov again.
Nurmagomedov retained the UFC lightweight title three times before retiring as champion, and he never pursued gold in another division. Makhachev broke Nurmagomedov’s joint record for title defense at 155 pounds and is now trying to regain two-weight champion status. However, Nurmagomedov – now 37 – remains unbeaten, while Makhachev has one professional defeat.