Remember The Name: The Rise of Paddy Pimblett

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett – not familiar with the name? You will be. Pimblett is a rising star on the European MMA scene and at just 21 years old, is already starting to make waves across the pond, with many shrewd observers tipping the young Liverpudlian to be one of the next big stars on the UFC featherweight roster. “The Baddy” currently fights out of Next Generation Gym on Merseyside and made his professional MMA debut back in 2012 at just 17 years old, dispatching a resilient Nathan Thompson in the first round of their OMMAC 15 – Legacy bout.

Pimblett is a submission artist that has caught the eye with displays of phenomenal grappling prowess and fantastically effective, unconventional offence. Since his debut victory, he has racked up 11 career wins under the OMMAC, FCC and Cage Warriors banners, with 6 of those coming via submission. Only once has the young prodigy tasted defeat and that was against Cameron Else back in 2013, where he was submitted via an anaconda choke. But that defeat has only spurred “The Baddy” on, as he has shown marked improvements every time he steps into the cage.

However, Pimblett’s qualities only begin in the cage; the young maestro also oozes the kind of charisma outside of it that very few can match. Unlike many fighters, he loves being in front of the camera and seems to make sure every opportunity counts. In his most recent bout, he faced off against Teddy Violet at Cage Warriors 77 and took home the win with a rear naked choke. He shipped some heavy blows in the first round before taking control and when this was put to him in the post fight interview, he replied in his inimitable brash style:

“Listen, I’ll take a shot off anyone, no one is knocking me out. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again, I’m a Scouser, we don’t get knocked out, we crack on to anything.”

Pimblett has also shown he is as fearless as he is talented and has a McGregor-esque ability to promote his brand, going on to call out the “Notorious” after defeating Kevin Petchi for the FCC 12 Featherweight Title. Even more memorable was his cleverly-placed banner during the Europa League Final, which boldly predicted:

“McGregor – You’re gettin’ smoked lad.”

We can only hope that a clash between the two materialises somewhere down the line, as if Pimblett continues to improve at this rate he would not only provide a test for McGregor in the Octagon, but in throwing verbal jabs as well.

Currently on an impressive 7 fight winning streak, “The Baddy” has yet to be given a title shot in Cage Warriors, but doesn’t seem overly concerned. No, he has his sights set on a bigger prize, as he told SevereMMA:

“I don’t care if the Cage Warriors gold doesn’t come because I know the UFC gold is going to come anyway.”

For anyone that has seen Pimblett in action, it’s difficult not to agree and as potential stars go, there aren’t many shining brighter than the kid from Liverpool right now. Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett – remember the name.

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All our video interviews with Pimblett:

Highlight video: