Daniel Matthews
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:42 pm GMT
As Daniel Zellhuber prepares to take on Esteban Ribovics on September 14, he is also casting his gaze toward a potential future fight with rising UFC star Paddy Pimblett. With a current record of 15 wins and only one loss, Zellhuber is on a three-fight win streak and is eager to climb higher in the competitive lightweight division of the UFC.
Upcoming Fight at UFC 306
Zellhuber, known as “Golden Boy,” will be featured on the main card of UFC 306, taking place at the Sphere in Las Vegas. He acknowledges the challenge Ribovics presents but remains confident about securing a victory that could enhance his ranking prospects. “With a victory on September 14, like I told you, if things go down the way I envision them, next year I’ll be fighting against someone in the rankings,” Zellhuber explained. He believes a successful performance could open doors for a matchup with fighters ranked above him, including Pimblett.
Daniel Zellhuber’s Perspective on Paddy Pimblett
In a recent interview, Zellhuber expressed his belief that he will inevitably face Pimblett in the octagon. He noted, “I think so,” when asked about the possibility of a future bout. Observing Pimblett’s approach to selecting his opponents, Zellhuber commented, “He’s still challenging fighters who are good matchups for him.” He pointed out that while Pimblett has been cautious in his selections, his position in the rankings limits how long he can continue this strategy.
Concerns About Pimblett’s Opponent Selection
Zellhuber critiqued Pimblett’s recent choice of opponents. He noted that Pimblett, who recently made his way into the UFC rankings after an impressive victory over Bobby Green, tends to avoid tougher matchups against high-caliber fighters like Rafael Fiziev or Benoit Saint-Denis. Zellhuber believes that this pattern might lead to an eventual confrontation, as “sooner or later he won’t have anywhere to run.”
Analyzing Pimblett’s Recent Performance
Despite Pimblett’s success in the octagon, Zellhuber was critical of his latest performance at UFC 304, where Pimblett defeated Bobby Green. “I think that performance was horrible,” Zellhuber stated, expressing that he observed a lack of confidence in Pimblett’s striking. He argued that while Pimblett capitalized on Green’s mistake, the overall showcasing left much to be desired.
Fair Play in Future Matchups
Zellhuber is hopeful for a future match with Pimblett that could take place in Mexico if the UFC hosts an event there. Highlighting the fan engagement in Mexico, he stated, “It would be nice to see him step in enemy territory.” He emphasized his desire to headline such an event, regardless of whether Pimblett is involved.
Final Thoughts on the Lightweight Division
The lightweight division remains one of the most competitive in mixed martial arts, with fighters battling not just for victories but for their place in the rankings. Zellhuber’s aspirations reflect a common goal among fighters: to face the best and prove oneself on the grand stage. As he prepares for his fight on September 14, eyes will be on him, not only for the immediate challenge but for the future encounters that might shape the lightweight landscape.
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