Everything you need to know about mixed martial artist, and UFC lightweight star, Paddy Pimblett.
Born: | 3rd January, 1995 |
Age: | 28 |
Birthplace: | Liverpool, UK |
Resides: | Liverpool, UK |
Height: | 5ft 10ins |
Reach: | 73ins |
Style: | Sambo |
Weight Division: | Lightweight |
UFC Record | 4-0 (1ko) |
MMA Record | 20-3 (6kos) |
Next Fight: | Tony Ferguson (Saturday 16th December) |
Paddy Pimblett is due to make his long-awaited return to the Octagon in December when he will go up against former UFC interim champion Tony Ferguson.
'The Baddy' was last in action nearly a year ago and has not fought since suffering a serious ankle injury in his victory over Jared Gordon, which forced him to have surgery.
As a result, he has been in recovery mode for much of the year but the Briton gets his chance to shine again, fighting on the undercard of UFC: 296 in Las Vegas, which is headlined by Welterweight champion - and fellow Brit - Leon Edwards' showdown against Colby Covington.
Pimblett is the 1/3 favourite to beat Ferguson next month, with the US veteran 12/5 for victory.
If Pimblett comes out on top it would be his fifth UFC win in succession as the 28-year-old continues to make waves in the sport, although it is expected to be his toughest assignment to date against the 39-year-old Ferguson.
‘El Cucuy’ has lost six consecutive bouts, with his last win coming back against Donald Cerrone in summer 2019, but he has plenty of big-fight pedigree, famously winning what was a record-setting 12 lightweight fights in a row which secured him an interim title.
However, Pimblett is confident and clearly eager to get back down to business after a lengthy spell out and is keen to make up for lost time.
He said: "All I'm thinking about now is coming out and finishing Tony Ferguson in the first round. Make a statement, let everyone know what they've been missing, and then I'll start looking at ranked opponents in the new year."
Pimblett was a keen MMA fan growing up on Merseyside and quickly demonstrated his ability as a young fighter when winning the Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship in 2016, aged just 21, beating Johnny Frachey at the Echo Arena in his home town.
He soon gained local fame and, after winning - then losing - the Lightweight Cage Warriors belt - he eventually signed a contract with UFC in 2021. He had reportedly previously declined two UFC deals as he believed he could get better financial offers at the time from Cage Warriors.
He has become a well-known, outspoken, character on the MMA scene and has an impressive pro record of 20 wins, of which three were by knockout, and just three defeats on his CV.
After dominating as a Cage Warriors fighter, Pimblett's UFC debut came against Luigi Vendramini in September 2021, when he claimed an eye-catching KO victory and he quickly followed up with a submission win over Rodrigo Vargas in March the following year.
Then he stepped up again to see off Jordan Leavitt, another 'Performance of the Night' success, before his unanimous-decision success over Gordon at UFC 282.
Pimblett is being talked about as a possible future Lightweight world champion and he does appear to have the talent and belief to go to the top, although after a year out due to injury he will have to build himself up, and the clash with the hugely-experienced Ferguson is a big test and will examine his progress.
However, if he comes through it, his reputation will only be enhanced. Pimblett has said he wants a future title shot as soon as possible.
According to reports, Pimblett already has a net worth of around $5million.
Pimblett is contracted to the UFC and TNT Sports have exclusive rights to the promotion in the UK.
His upcoming bout against Ferguson is set to be shown live on the network on 16th December.
The Liverpudlian has worked with local coach Paul Rimmer throughout his career. Rimmer is a well-respected trainer who works with several fighters across different disciplines, including Mixed Martial Arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and even wrestling, while he also specialises in strength and conditioning training.
In 2002, Rimmer founded his Next Generation gym and coaching venue and he is a BJJ black belt himself.