The Daniel Cormier Show - Paddy Pimblett on Justin Gaethje's OVERRATED POWER, Ilia Topuria, BEEF with Arman

I’m in Florida at an appearance and this kid lights up about Paddy, so I’m like, how are you connecting with these young fans like that, especially after you told me in Miami your walkout energy would hook them?

By being myself. I still feel like a teenager, so it’s natural and not forced, and people can tell.

Back in that Miami hotel, you promised you’d crush Michael Chandler and then did; did the fight unfold even better than you pictured?

It actually started slower than I wanted, and I should’ve closed it sooner, but I knew I’d beat him and I expect the same this Saturday.

You took down an NCAA All-American in Chandler, but people doubt you can do that to Justin; where’s that confidence coming from?

I’ve always had real belief in the cage. Folks said I couldn’t ground Chandler either. We’ll settle it Saturday.

If the takedowns aren’t there, can you trade with Justin?

Yeah. He went through a war with Chandler, so I like my chances on the feet too.

Some said others would roll through you, but I don’t see any easy night against you after that last one; are you getting more respect or does it not matter?

What people say never drove me. The noise fuels me, and some only back Armin because they want me to lose.

Why the edge toward Armin, and what do you mean by calling him a posh boy?

He’s had it easy, silver spoon and all that. That’s not my reality, and I don’t rate the act.

How about Justin, any bad blood, and what did you read in that close-up promo stare?

No beef with Justin. In the stare-down he was a touch twitchy, and I noticed a long neck, which makes me think choke.

You’re calling a finish inside three rounds, which is rare against him; how do you push that pace safely?

I don’t feel threatened in fights and I’ll keep walking him down. I think his power is overrated, and once I drag him down I’ll wrap it up.

For the interim title, if you win, Ilya wants spring; why not April or May?

I just fought in January and I’m taking a February holiday. June or July works, and if he’s not back by then, the division should move on.

You used to blow up between camps; are you keeping it tighter now?

I hit two hundred plus last summer, but those swollen-face pics were edited. Size-wise I match up well with Justin and I’ve got a bit more reach.

What would winning the interim belt mean to you?

It’s the payoff for sixteen years since I was fifteen. My whole adult life points to Saturday.

Fans have been starving for a card and they’ll be loud. Let’s sprinkle in a little Liverpool versus Arsenal banter and line up a champion’s bet after you get it done. Tap into the baddie everywhere, like and subscribe, and tell your friends I’ve got a channel.

Until next time, DC. The baddie’s out.