Justin Gaethje: I Could Have Submitted Paddy Pimblett

Justin Gaethje has pushed back against the narrative that he is a one-dimensional fighter, insisting his grappling ability is far more dangerous than critics give him credit for — and pointing to his recent fight against Paddy Pimblett as evidence.

The lightweight champion, speaking in a recent interview, said he believed he had the tools to submit Pimblett during their matchup and chose not to pursue that path to victory. For Gaethje, the claim is part of a broader frustration with how fans and media consistently overlook his ground game.

Gaethje, 37, carries a 28-5 record and holds the lightweight title. The Arizona native trains out of Genesis Training Center and has long been celebrated for his striking output — landing 6.48 significant strikes per minute at a 58 percent accuracy rate, elite numbers at the top of a loaded 155-pound division. Standing five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach, he has built his reputation as one of the most relentless pressure fighters in the sport.

Pimblett, 31, represents one of the division's more compelling rising names. The Liverpool native holds a 23-4 record and sits ranked sixth at lightweight. He is no stranger to grappling exchanges himself, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes, and his 52 percent striking accuracy underlines a well-rounded skillset. Training out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, Pimblett has cultivated a large fanbase on the strength of his entertaining, aggressive style.

Why it matters

• Gaethje's comments reframe the narrative around what is already a high-profile lightweight result
• A credible submission threat from the champion adds another dimension to how opponents must prepare for him
• Pimblett's path back toward a title shot could hinge on how decisively this loss is perceived, making Gaethje's framing relevant to divisional rankings movement