Join the Miguel Delaney team: Inside Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter to get exclusive access and unparalleled insight. Football Join the Miguel Delaney Inside newsletter Football newsletterPaddy Pimblett has fired back at Islam Makhachev, after the Russian played down the Liverpudlian’s credentials as a potential UFC title challenger.Pimblett has been linked to a shot at Ilia Topuria, who won the lightweight title in June after it was vacated by Makhachev. Makhachev will now face Jack Della Maddalena on 22nd November for the welterweight title.“I don’t know how I see it playing out, but I hope ‘JDM’ absolutely punches his little head in,” Pimblett told UFC Europe Tuesday that he is 30 years old. “I hope JDM batters him. I think JDM is a much better boxer, and if he can keep it on the feet, then he will absolutely batter him – and I hope he does. “Islam was chatting pony the other day, saying who have I beat? He got a title shot at lightweight off beating Bobby Green, someone who I beat faster than you, you little bum.“So, how about that one, Islam? Get back down to lightweight and I’ll punch your head in as well.”Makhachev beat the King [formerly Bobby] Green, 2022. The American had replaced Beneil Darieush at short notice. Makhachev, 34 years old, defeated Green with a TKO in just three minutes, 23 seconds. Pimblett, in 2024, did the same in only three minutes, 22 seconds. “Paddy The Baddy” therefore outdid Makhachev by one second.After beating Green, Makhachev submitted ex-champion Charles Oliveira later in 2022 to win the vacant lightweight belt, which the Russian retained a record-breaking four times.Meanwhile, Pimblett built on his win over Green by stopping former Bellator champion Michael Chandler in April.open image in galleryPaddy Pimblett (left) controlled Michael Chandler before stopping him in April (Getty Images)But last week, Makhachev dismissed Pimblett’s credentials as a possible title challenger, saying: “Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson, who else? Michael Chandler? Everybody beats Chandler. “He can do some things, but I don’t see a big chance [against Topuria]. Honestly, it’s not a big challenge for Topuria. Arman [Tsarukyan], it’s a really big deal if [Topuria] beats Arman – he’s got good skills in striking, wrestling, grappling. He’s a good fight. “But Paddy? Nobody’s checked Paddy before.”Open image in galleryIslam Makhachev submitted Renato Mocano in January (Getty Images). If Makhachev beats Della Maddalena he will surpass his coach and childhood buddy Khabib Nurmagomedov once again.Nurmagomedov held the UFC lightweight championship three times before retiring and never chased gold in a secondary division. Makhachev broke Nurmagomedov’s joint-record for title defences at 155lb and is now chasing two-weight champion status. However, Nurmagomedov – now 37 years old – did retire unbeaten, while Makhachev has one professional loss to his name.
2025-11-05 12:12:27
Paddy Pimblett highlights one way he outdid Islam Makhachev as UFC spat continues
