Usman Nurmagomedov Claims He’d Finish Gaethje and Pimblett

PFL lightweight champion Usman Nurmagomedov had little praise for the interim title bout at UFC 324, making it clear he was unimpressed by what he saw inside the octagon.

Justin Gaethje (27-5 MMA, 10-5 UFC) dominated Paddy Pimblett (23-4 MMA, 7-1 UFC) over five rounds to claim the interim lightweight belt last month at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Despite Gaethje’s convincing win, Nurmagomedov (20-0) was openly critical of the overall quality of the fight.

“One hundred percent, I would finish either of them,” Nurmagomedov told Red Corner MMA when asked about Gaethje and Pimblett. “They fought like two drunk men. Justin Gaethje, at 37 years old, did a very good job. But as for Pimblett, I’ve never even considered him a top-10 fighter in the UFC.”

Nurmagomedov continues to receive high praise from his cousin and mentor Khabib Nurmagomedov, who believes he is on the same level as UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan. Up next, Nurmagomedov will defend his 155-pound title against Alfie Davis (20-5-1) in the main event of PFL Dubai this Saturday at the Coca-Cola Arena, live on ESPN App.