Paddy Pimblett has revealed the real reason why Dana White has given him his first title shot next month.
Pimblett's last bout came back in April when he produced an incredible performance to knockout Michael Chandler in the third round at UFC 314.
But his next encounter is the biggest in the Liverpool fighter's career as he takes on Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on 24 January at UFC 324.
With rival and lightweight champion Ilia Topuria taking some time off due to personal issues, 'The Baddy' will get his first ever UFC main event - headlining the first card on Paramount following a $7.7 billion deal.
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There were other available options, including Arman Tsarukyan - who is the No.1 ranked lightweight and was initially set for a title shot against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 but pulled out a day before with a back injury.
But asked why White opted to give him the opportunity ,Pimblett believes his track record speaks for itself and him vs Gaethje is best for business.
"I think he knows that I'm never in a boring fight," he told SPORTbible, in association with CoinPoker.com.
"I'm just not, whether it's a grapple match or a striking match, I'm never in a boring fight. And neither is Justin Gaethje. Gaethje is your favourite fighter’s favourite fighter. And I love watching Justin Gaethje fights. I've been watching him for years. He's a legend. So to be able to share the cage with him is an honour. But that all gets put to one side when I actually get in the cage with him and I have to put a beat down on him.
"But Dana knows in regards to the sport that me and Justin Gaethje as the first main event on the Paramount era is smart business."
7-0 in UFC, the Liverpudlian is in line for his biggest ever payday given he is at the top of one of the most anticipated UFC events in history. He earned a six-figure purse last time out against Chandler but as expected, Pimblett would not say to an even bigger pay packet.
"I leave all that to my manager," Pimblett said when asked what change he would make to his UFC deal.
"Obviously if anybody could change one thing then they’d want to be paid more! That’s the one thing I’d want in my contract, more money."
Because it is a title fight, Pimblett will have to weigh in at or below the exact limit of 155lbs. Against Chandler, without the title involved, he came in at 156lbs and will therefore have to cut a pound for his return to Octagon.
If he does not weigh in at a minimum of 155lbs, Pimblett will lose his title shot.
White explains Tsarukyan snub
Tsarukyan has been unfortunate to not get the interim title fight given his placement in the rankings but recent incidents, including headbutting Dan Hooker at the weigh-in of his last fight, may have swayed the decision of UFC's matchmakers.
At the UFC 323 post-fight press conference, White explained what Tsarukyan has to do to get back in contention.
"I wouldn't say that he's the odd man out," White said.
"He had an opportunity, you guys know how that played out, and he's going to have to work his way back.
"I don't give a s*** what the number says, he's going to have to work his way back."
Topics: Paddy Pimblett, Dana White, UFC, Spotlight
Josh Lawless