Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje: UFC 324 – The Briton mocks Gaethje for cutting weight during the final confrontation

Pimblett, who exuded confidence on fight week, exploded into life when he stepped on stage, greeted by a huge roar and some jeers.

The Briton is the favorite in the fight. His growing stardom was punctuated by a huge influx of fans from the UK on Friday.

While only a handful of attendees attended Thursday’s news conference, thousands packed the arena to be weighed.

Among them was a huge group from Liverpool, whose voices stood out clearly among the American audience.

Many of Pimblett’s teammates and closest friends have followed him to Vegas for the bout, which takes place in the early hours of Sunday UK time, as he aims to become the first fighter from his home city to capture a UFC belt.

Pimblett weighed 154 pounds (11th) on the scale, while Gaethje was slightly heavier at 155 pounds (11th).

Gaethje is a two-time lightweight title challenger, a former interim champion in 2020 and has a resume that includes bouts against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.

The knockout artist certainly has a place in the UFC Hall of Fame when he decides to hang up his gloves.

“Justin Gaethje is a legend,” Pimblett said.

“I’m going to go out and finish him off, add another legend to my resume and take that interim title back to Liverpool, England.”

Pimblett has a seven-fight winning streak, the longest in the lightweight division.

Meanwhile, Gaethje insists Pimblett’s apparent confidence will be his undoing as he aims to end his eight-year stint in the UFC with one final run at the undisputed title.

The winner of Saturday’s fight will next face champion Ilya Topuria in the summer.

“This is the biggest fight of my life,” Gaethje said.

“It means everything. I’ve dedicated my whole life to this.”