Pass!
It’s been a month since Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight Justin Gaethje shocked the world by forcing a corner stoppage against massive betting favorite Ilia Topuria to finally win the undisputed 155 lb title at UFC Freedom 250 on the South Lawn in Washington, D.C (watch highlights).
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And as of now, Gaethje still has not revealed whether he will continue his legendary career or call it a day after his historic win.
However, if “The Highlight” does fight again, it does not sound like it will be against Paddy Pimblett.
“Destined for each other to fight again? No,” Gaethje told Pat McAfee when asked if he thinks he will fight Pimblett again. “No. No. No.”
Instead of entertaining the rematch, Gaethje reflected on how his stunning win over Topuria has impacted other fighters around the sport.
“I think it’s crazy what my story has done for so many people,” Gaethje said. “Rafael Fiziev, a guy I fought two times, says a very similar thing. I kind of rejuvenated him when I won that fight. Him losing two times to me, having been in there with me two times kind of rejuvenated him. … It’s pretty cool across the board. All athletes respect our sport because it’s so humbling, so primal. It’s one-on-one. It’s freaking awesome.”
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Pimblett reinserted himself into the Lightweight title picture this past weekend at UFC 329, submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada (watch highlights).
Afterward, “The Baddy” made it clear he wants another crack at UFC gold and even suggested he could become the new “face of the organization” after Conor McGregor’s disastrous injury loss.
Pimblett also mentioned that he would love another shot at Gaethje, who pulverized him earlier this year at UFC 324.
Unfortunately for Pimblett, that rematch does not appear to interest the champion.
And honestly, it makes sense.
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With Gaethje still deciding whether he wants to fight again, the Lightweight division is currently stuck in limbo. On top of that, Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira are still clearly ahead of Pimblett in the title pecking order.
So, “The Baddy” may have to wait a little longer for another shot at UFC gold.
Especially if Gaethje is still holding the belt.
For more UFC 329 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
