LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 19: Paddy Pimblett celebrates defeating Kazula Vargas during UFC Fight Night: Volkov v Aspinall at the The O2 Arena on March 19, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Alongside the likes of devastating fighters like Khamzat Chimaev and social media sensations like Sean O’Malley, Paddy Pimblett is one of the rising stars of the UFC. The Scouse fighter has built up a huge following for himself after just three fights in the UFC, particularly given his infectious personality and unmissable press conferences in the build-up to fights.
Despite his appeal, there are doubts over the Liverpool-born fighter’s ability to become a UFC champion, and they’re entirely understandable, too.
There is no denying that Pimblett is a character that the UFC has lacked since the likes of Conor McGregor, but that doesn’t mean that he necessarily has the right to power his way through the Lightweight division.
Also known as ‘Paddy The Baddy’, Pimblett has certainly nailed the promotional aspect of the fight game so far, with fans regularly watching him on YouTube, backing him in the online betting world, and hanging on his every word on social media.
While Pimblett is entertaining outside of the cage and has established a large following, there are a number of notable concerns that suggest he won’t necessarily live up to the hype, although that’s not to say that he won’t have a good career in the sport regardless.
Although Paddy Pimblett’s Next Generation MMA gym is the oldest and most successful mixed martial arts school in Liverpool, its reputation in the UFC world is relatively low. As such, Pimblett might need to open himself up to new coaches and training methods in order to truly realise his potential.
This might be tricky given his refusal to leave his beloved city of Liverpool, though, with Pimblett openly admitting that he’ll never move to America.
While his passion and dedication to the people of Liverpool is admirable, he might have to open himself up to new voices in the future if he is to add another layer to his performances. After all, many of the top fighters do it.
Pimblett destroys his body between fights
(Image via https://twitter.com/MirrorFighting)
While it’s his body and he can do what he likes between fights, Paddy Pimblett has become famous for his love of junk food.
Similar in many respects to boxer Ricky Hatton, Pimblett consumes large portions of unhealthy cuisine when he isn’t preparing for a fight. He still trains during his food binges, but his devotion to fast food could hinder his progression in the future.
While Pimblett is young and evidently capable of losing large amounts of weight, it isn’t always the healthiest way to approach a career in fighting.
In fact, losing such large amounts of weight right before a testing battle in the Octagon can take its toll on the body, as pointed out by TJ Dillashaw earlier in the year.
He said: “That’s like a recipe for just destroying your body. I guess there’s one thing if I’m looking at it. They can promote him the right way and he might have what it takes to get into the higher echelons of the UFC, but if you keep that same work ethic he has now, then he’ll never be UFC champion.”
Perhaps what goes against Pimblett the most is the constant comparisons to Conor McGregor. While there are similarities, the Scouse fighter is nowhere near the Irishman’s fighting abilities when he was in his prime. Given the constant comparisons, though, the pressure could eventually get to Pimblett should he fail to live up to expectations.
Make no mistake about it, a devastating punch could change everything for the charismatic former Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion. Does he have the mental strength and the dedication to come back from it?