Paddy Pimblett UFC finishes have captivated fight fans since the Liverpool native entered the promotion in 2021, compiling an undefeated 7-0 record in the UFC and a nine-fight winning streak overall. Now a leading figure in the lightweight division, Pimblett is set to headline UFC 324 in 2026, where he will challenge interim champion Justin Gaethje, facing the toughest opponent of his career in a battle for the 155-pound interim belt.
Justin Gaethje, known as “The Highlight,” is one of the most electrifying finishers in lightweight history. Over nearly a decade competing at the highest level in the UFC, Gaethje has delivered devastating knockouts against elite fighters including Edson Barboza, Tony Ferguson, and Dustin Poirier. A student of coach Trevor Wittman, Gaethje claimed the interim lightweight title at UFC 249 by stopping Ferguson before losing to the undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov later in the year.
Coming into UFC 324 fresh off an emphatic knockout of former Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler at UFC 314, Pimblett has proven himself capable of overcoming top-tier talent. “The Baddy” appears primed to capture his first UFC gold and solidify his status as the next major contender aiming to face reigning lightweight kingpin Ilia Topuria in 2026.
A Closer Look at Paddy Pimblett’s Most Impressive Finishes
5. Dominant Submission Over Kazula Vargas
One of the earliest defining moments in Pimblett’s UFC career came during UFC Fight Night 204, where he returned to England to face Kazula Vargas. Vargas, who climbed through the Mexican regional scene with limited UFC success, had posted only one victory out of three fights prior to facing Pimblett. Demonstrating technical sharpness and control, Pimblett took Vargas to the mat and swiftly secured a rear-naked choke in the first round. The submission finish ignited the home crowd and earned Pimblett a Performance of the Night bonus, marking his second consecutive fight earning this accolade.
4. Comeback Submission Against Jordan Leavitt
At UFC Fight Night 208, Pimblett once again fought on home soil, matched against rising grappling specialist Jordan Leavitt. Leavitt, nicknamed “The Monkey King,” was a formidable opponent known for his submissions, having finished six out of ten wins via tap-out, and delivering a highlight-reel slam knockout against Matt Wiman at UFC Vegas 16. During the bout, Leavitt controlled the early stages with nearly five minutes of grappling dominance and landed more strikes. Yet Pimblett showcased resilience and elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills by reversing the tide in the second round, securing another rear-naked choke to the enthusiastic cheers from his countrymen.
3. Spectacular Knockout Over Luigi Vendramini
Making his U.S. debut for the UFC at Fight Night 191, Pimblett faced rugged Brazilian striker Luigi Vendramini, known as “The Italian Stallion.” Vendramini arrived with an eight-fight winning streak—all finishes—and a strong background in Brazil’s regional circuits. Although Pimblett was unexpectedly rocked by a powerful punch early in the first round, he quickly recovered and unleashed a fierce counterattack, knocking Vendramini out in dramatic fashion. This comeback knockout earned widespread praise, with Pimblett’s energetic post-fight interview cementing his charismatic image, notably declaring,
“I’m a Scouser, and we don’t lose by knockout.”
2. Swift Submission Triumph Over King Green
At UFC 304, Pimblett faced one of the most experienced fighters in the lightweight division, King Green, who was formerly known as Bobby Green. The Californian veteran had fought over 20 professional matches and battled top UFC names such as Clay Guida, Edson Barboza, Dustin Poirier, and Islam Makhachev. Despite Green’s unorthodox striking and vast experience, the contest was unexpectedly short. Green attempted a takedown, which Pimblett countered expertly, locking in a tight triangle choke that rendered Green unconscious almost immediately. This dominant performance not only earned Pimblett his first official ranking but also positioned him for bigger matchups within the division.
1. Crushing Knockout Against Michael Chandler
Pimblett’s most celebrated victory came at UFC 314 when he faced Michael Chandler, a former Bellator lightweight champion and widely respected name in mixed martial arts. Chandler, known for his knockout power and collegiate wrestling roots, had a reputation for defeating top contenders such as Patricky Pitbull and Eddie Alvarez. Although Chandler’s UFC record had been inconsistent after transitioning promotions, the bout was viewed as a stern test for Pimblett. Defying expectations, Pimblett overwhelmed Chandler with relentless pressure, scoring takedowns and inflicting substantial damage with ground-and-pound strikes. He secured a knockout in the third round, cementing his place as a legitimate title contender and setting the stage for his headline showdown with Gaethje.
The Rising Stakes Behind UFC 324 and What’s Next for Pimblett
Paddy Pimblett enters UFC 324 with the momentum of seven consecutive Octagon victories and a growing reputation as one of the most thrilling fighters in the lightweight division. His blend of skill, charisma, and unyielding confidence has made him a fan favorite and a serious contender for UFC gold. Facing Justin Gaethje, a dangerous and experienced finisher, Pimblett faces the ultimate test in his bid to claim the interim lightweight title. A victory at UFC 324 would not only mark a career milestone but also position Pimblett as the clear heir apparent to Ilia Topuria’s undisputed crown.
The implications of this matchup extend beyond the belt; it represents a crucial pivot in the lightweight landscape, potentially signaling a shift in the division’s power dynamic. As Pimblett continues to make history, fight fans eagerly anticipate whether he can maintain his perfect UFC slate and deliver another memorable finish in one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Can Paddy Pimblett secure yet another highlight-reel finish when he steps into the cage next weekend at UFC 324?
