The movement at the top of the lightweight division (up to 70,3 kg) continues to generate debate in the UFC. Amid speculation about Justin Gaethje 's future , Paddy Pimblett believes that the belt holder may prioritize settling a score with Charles Oliveira before aiming for new challenges in the category. In the Briton's view, the desire to correct significant career defeats may weigh heavily in defining the next step for the organization's new champion.
During an appearance on Demetrious Johnson 's YouTube channel , Pimblett explained why he sees Gaethje as more inclined to seek a rematch against the Brazilian than to face other names who are also among the top contenders for the division. According to the Englishman, the American's own history of statements reinforces this possibility.
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“I’ve seen Justin say in interviews that he wants to fight Charles again and get back the win, and fight Max Holloway and get back the win. That’s why I think Charles could be next,” said Benoit Saint Denis ’s opponent at UFC 329 , scheduled for July 11 in Las Vegas.
The analysis of the Englishman comes at a time of uncertainty in the category. Although there are different paths for Justin Gaethje , the fighter believes that personal factors may end up weighing more than the logic of the ranking. For him, the opportunity to erase negative results from the past represents an important attraction for the veteran.
Relive Charles' victory over Gaethje at UFC 274.
Charles Oliveira submits Gaethje at UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
The first encounter between the rivals took place in May 2022, in the main event of UFC 274 in Phoenix, United States. On that occasion, Charles do Bronx arrived at the event as the lightweight champion, but lost the belt on the scale, after exceeding the allowed limit for the category.
Even without the title on the line, the Brazilian delivered one of the most remarkable performances of his career. The fight began at a frantic pace, with both athletes landing hard blows and suffering knockdowns in the opening minutes.
Known for his aggressive style and knockout power, Justin Gaethje managed to stagger the Brazilian fighter on his feet. However, the Chute Boxe representative Diego Lima responded in kind and turned the fight into a true war from the very first seconds.
After surviving the most intense moments, Charles found his preferred path. In a quick transition on the ground, he took advantage of an opening left by his opponent, took his back and locked in a rear-naked choke at 3:22 of the first round, forcing the American to tap out.
The victory extended the Brazilian's dominant streak in the division and reinforced his status as one of the greatest lightweights in the organization's history. Now, four years after their first encounter, the two athletes are once again on the receiving end. With Gaethje at the top of the division and Charles close to a title shot again, the rematch has all the ingredients to redefine the lightweight title race.
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Read More about: Charles of the Bronx, Justin gaethje, MMA, Paddy Pimblett, UFC, UFC 329, Ultimate
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