Paddy Pimblett made sure his closest supporters had front-row seats.
The charismatic Scouser prepares for his first title shot on MMA’s biggest stage, headlining UFC 324 in Las Vegas on Saturday. He faces Justin Gaethje with the interim lightweight belt on the line after champion Ilia Topuria took a personal hiatus.
The former Cage Warriors champion wants to start his legacy by claiming the interim title. Pimblett plans to have as many friends and family members as possible witness it live.
Pimblett spends six figures to fill arena with Scousers
After making championship weight at Friday’s weigh-ins, where Cameron Smotherman fainted on stage, Pimblett appeared on the UFC Weigh-In Show. He promised plenty of Scousers in T-Mobile Arena on fight night.
He bought 250 tickets for friends and family, spending between $140,000 and $150,000. “It was more than $100,000, lad. It was like $140,000, $150,000,” Pimblett said. He added that other Scousers bought tickets independently, ensuring a strong local presence.
Pimblett sets sights on being greater than Khabib and Makhachev
Khabib Nurmagomedov remains the gold standard at lightweight with a perfect 29-0 career, while his protege Islam Makhachev has also emerged as a top contender.
Pimblett believes he can surpass both. Speaking to Bloody Elbow via Casino Guru, he said he sees a path to becoming the division’s greatest. “Of course,” he said when asked about overtaking Nurmagomedov and Makhachev. “What are you in the sport for if you don’t think you can do that? It’s pointless being an MMA fighter if you don’t aim for that. I’m already towards the top of the tree anyway.”
He acknowledged constant criticism but said it loses meaning once belts are around his waist. “A lot of people talk s— about me 24/7, but when you’ve got the belts, it’s wasted energy for them,” Pimblett concluded.
