Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard backs Paddy Pimblett in UFC 324 showdown v Justin Gaethje - then fires friendly warning - 'I'm going to kick your a**'
By Ben Southby
Updated 23/01/2026 at 08:49 GMT
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"Do what you need to do... after you have kicked his a**, I'm going to kick your a** at padel." Those were Steven Gerrard's words of encouragement to fellow Liverpudlian Paddy Pimblett, who fights Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on Saturday - live on TNT Sports Box Office. Liverpool legend and TNT Sports football expert Gerrard has backed Pimblett to "go and do it".
UFC 324: Pimblett takes on Gaethje on TNT Sports Box Office
Video credit: TNT Sports
Steven Gerrard has sent Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett a special message ahead of the latter's UFC 324 showdown in Las Vegas this weekend.
Pimblett will take on Justin Gaethje in the lightweight division - live on TNT Sports Box Office - returning to the Octagon for the first time since he defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
While on punditry duty for TNT Sports for Arsenal's goalless draw against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday, Gerrard backed his fellow Liverpudlian to get the job done.
"Paddy, Stevie G here, mate. I just want to send you all my very best for your upcoming fight," Gerrard said.
"We're all rooting for you in the city, we're all proud of you, mate. Go and do what you need to do."
Despite his best wishes, Gerrard also sent a warning shot at Pimblett over a future game of padel, challenging the 31-year-old to a game.
"But more importantly, mate, after you have kicked his a**, I'm going to kick your a** at padel when you come back to Liverpool, because I believe you've been shouting out for a game of padel.
"Only joking, mate. Good luck, go and do it. Honest to God, we can't wait to watch you, and we're all proud of you. Take it easy, mate. All the best!"
Pimblett was blown away by the message from his hero Gerrard, who he regards as the greatest Liverpool player of all time.
"I've heard he's good. He's definitely better than me," Pimblett said in response to Gerrard's padel request.
"I've got worse over the past couple of months, where I've been focusing on my fight."
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He continued: "We back our own, it's something that our city's known for, and it's what we're amazing at, you know what I mean?
"I hate to rob a [Conor] McGregor quote, but if one goes to war, we all go to war and that's the way it is in Liverpool. We back our own, and I'll be Scouse to the death."
How to watch UFC 324: Justin Gaethje vs Paddy Pimblett
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched on discovery+, Sky, EE TV, Prime Video and Virgin Media TV.
You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event.
discovery+ - TNT Sports Box Office events are available to purchase and watch in the discovery+ app – on smart TVs, computer or mobile device, viewers wanting to watch the fight should visit this page and follow instructions to subscribe and then purchase the event – customers will be able to purchase the event from Friday 16 January.
Sky - Customers can purchase TNT Sports Box Office on channel 490 via their remote control or via https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase TNT Sports Box Office via their remote control or via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports for €29.99.
Sky Glass/Stream - Customers can purchase the event from 16 January using your Sky remote by selecting the event from the Sports menu.
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can purchase TNT Sports Box Office via their remote control or via Sky at https://www.sky.com/boxoffice/tnt-sports for €29.99.
Sky Glass/Stream - Customers can purchase the event from 16 January using your Sky remote by selecting the event from the Sports menu.
EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.
Prime Video - This TNT Sports Box Office event will be available to buy and watch on Prime Video in the UK. Customers do not need to have any channel or Prime subscription to access. You can find live and upcoming PPV events in the "Live and upcoming events" row on the Prime Video homepage and sports page or by searching for a specific event title.
Virgin Media TV - Customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the on demand section and choose live events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or steam set-top-box should go to the pay per view events rail.
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