Pimblett Says He Would Beat Makhachev
In November 2024, Paddy Pimblett said he believed he would beat Islam Makhachev. The matchup has never taken place. Since then, Pimblett challenged for an interim lightweight title, while Makhachev moved up and became UFC welterweight champion.
The claim in context
Pimblett made the claim in an interview published on November 26, 2024, when Makhachev held the lightweight title. It was a prediction about a possible future fight, not a booked bout. MMA Fighting reported Pimblett’s comments at the time.
Pimblett’s title opportunity
Pimblett challenged Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. Gaethje won by unanimous decision. The official scorecards were 48–47, 49–46 and 49–46.
Makhachev moved to welterweight
Makhachev moved up to welterweight and defeated Jack Della Maddalena by unanimous decision at UFC 322 in November 2025 to win the title, according to the UFC event results. He then defended it against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330 on August 15, 2026, again winning by unanimous decision; see the UFC 330 results and official scorecards. A fight with Pimblett would now require a major division and career shift.
Where the hypothetical stands
Pimblett’s statement remains a snapshot of his confidence in 2024. It has not been tested in the Octagon, and both fighters’ careers have moved on. Pimblett’s interim title challenge ended in defeat, while Makhachev established himself at welterweight. Any future matchup would depend on new results and decisions from both athletes.
