“We Finish Him in Three”: Paddy Pimblett Says Max Holloway Exposed the Formula to Beat Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett is never short on confidence, but his latest comments ahead of a potential clash with Justin Gaethje have taken things a step further. The Liverpool lightweight believes Max Holloway has already shown the world how Gaethje can be beaten, and according to Pimblett, it is a formula he plans to follow to the letter. Speaking about Holloway’s emphatic performance at UFC 300, Pimblett claimed the blueprint is now out in the open and insists he would finish Gaethje inside three rounds if they ever shared the Octagon.
Holloway’s knockout win over Gaethje for the BMF title shocked many fans, not just because of the result, but because of how it unfolded. Known primarily as a pressure fighter and volume striker at featherweight, Holloway stood his ground, matched Gaethje’s intensity, and gradually broke him down. For Pimblett, that performance answered questions that had surrounded Gaethje for years, particularly about how he responds when opponents refuse to back up and force him into prolonged exchanges.
Why Pimblett Thinks Gaethje Is Now Figured Out
According to Pimblett, Holloway exposed key weaknesses in Gaethje’s defensive structure. He pointed to how Holloway stayed composed under fire, avoided reckless exchanges, and consistently punished Gaethje when he overcommitted. Pimblett believes Gaethje’s reputation as an indestructible brawler often encourages opponents to fight cautiously, something Holloway refused to do. In Pimblett’s view, once that fear is removed, Gaethje becomes far more beatable.
Pimblett has also stressed that his own style aligns well with that approach. While often labeled as a grappler, he has repeatedly said his striking is underestimated. He believes his pressure, durability, and willingness to engage would allow him to replicate Holloway’s success, while adding his own finishing instincts to the mix. The claim that he would end the fight within three rounds is classic Pimblett bravado, but it reflects how strongly he believes Gaethje’s aura has been damaged.
SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment
Of course, Gaethje remains one of the most dangerous lightweights in the sport, with a résumé built on brutal knockouts and wars against elite competition. One loss, even a dramatic one, does not erase years of dominance. Still, narratives matter in MMA, and Pimblett is clearly trying to frame Gaethje as a fighter who is no longer unbeatable once the right pressure is applied.
Whether Pimblett ever gets the chance to test that theory remains to be seen. What is certain is that Holloway’s performance has shifted the conversation around Gaethje, and Pimblett is more than happy to step into that conversation with his usual confidence. If the fight does happen, the buildup alone promises to be as explosive as the clash itself, with Pimblett convinced the ending would come far sooner than most expect.
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