Charles Oliveira highlights Justin Gaethje’s ‘flaws’ when sharing early take on Paddy Pimblett clash

Charles Oliveira gave his thoughts on the interim title fight that will headline UFC 324.

The first numbered event of the UFC’s Paramount+ era will see Paddy Pimblett face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on January 24.

While the matchup, among others that were recently announced, has been met with some pushback from the fans, it’s undeniably a fascinating matchup.

It seems that Charles Oliveira could have also been in action on the same night due to a post that was quickly deleted by one of the promotion’s social media accounts.

‘Do Bronx’, who defeated Gaethje in 2022, recently broke the title fight down when sharing his reaction to the news.

• LATEST NEWS: Ilia Topuria breaks his silence on the UFC 324 interim title fight with a message for Paddy Pimblett

Charles Oliveira breaks down Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

Justin Gaethje promised “another unforgettable night” when speaking on the recent announcement of his upcoming return at UFC 324.

‘The Highlight’ has been one of the top fighters in the lightweight division ever since his Octagon debut in 2017, while Paddy Pimblett has become one of the biggest stars in the sport in recent years.

The matchup also presents an intriguing clash of styles between two fighters who do their best work in contrasting aspects of the sport.

Charles Oliveira focused on this when sharing his thoughts on the fight via an interview with Olhar da Luta.

‘Do Bronx’ is one of the few competitors who has been able to stand and strike with Gaethje and emerge victorious, submitting the American in the first round of their meeting at UFC 274 for the vacant lightweight gold.

Oliveira, who recently defeated Mateusz Gamrot in Brazil, spoke about the dangers of this approach and how Pimblett can pull off the biggest win of his career.

“He [Pimblett] strikes well on his feet, can take the fight to the ground, and is constantly moving,” Oliveira said, translated via Google. “On the other hand, we know that Justin Gaethje is a very tough fighter with insane striking, but he has some flaws on the ground.

“I think Pimblett won’t want to exchange blows with him, he’ll probably try to take it to the ground,” he continued. “If he decides to exchange blows, he could be knocked out. But, if he bets on the takedown, he has a chance to become champion. Still, I would really like Gaethje to come out victorious.”

• LATEST NEWS: ‘I hate him’… Arman Tsarukyan picks his side in UFC 324 main event as he shreds Paddy Pimblett

Charles Oliveira believes a different fighter should have got the next title shot

In the same interview, Charles Oliveira gave his take on the current landscape of the division.

Ilia Topuria’s break from the sport prompted the creation of the interim title, though many felt like the wrong matchup was made for this belt.

Oliveira agreed with the criticisms when arguing that Arman Tsarukyan, who defeated him at UFC 300 in a title eliminator, should’ve received this opportunity.

“In my opinion, the athlete who really deserved to fight for the title was Arman Tsarukyan, considering everything he has been showing.”