Paddy Pimblett’s UFC Triumph and Anfield Aspirations

Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett continues to rise through the UFC ranks, marking a new milestone in his career with a decisive victory over King Green at UFC 304 in Manchester. The 29-year-old Liverpudlian solidified his place in the rankings, showcasing his technical prowess with a first-round triangle choke submission that left the Co-Op Live arena roaring with approval.

Dominant Victory Over King Green

In a fight that demonstrated Pimblett’s blend of precision and power, he extended his unbeaten record to 6-0. Green, at 37, attempted to impose his game plan early with a takedown, but Pimblett’s quick reflexes turned the bout in his favour. The submission finish, achieved with a triangle choke, not only secured Pimblett’s victory but also underscored his growing reputation in the lightweight division.

This performance marked a significant departure from Pimblett’s previous streak of seven unanimous decision wins, which had characterised both the prelims and main card of his recent bouts. The emphatic nature of this win signals Pimblett’s readiness to tackle tougher challenges as he now steps into the top 15 of the UFC lightweight rankings.

Emotional Tribute to Young Fan

In an emotional post-fight moment, Pimblett dedicated his victory to a young fan, Chad Jones, who tragically passed away from cancer. Known affectionately as ‘Chaddy the Baddy’, the seven-year-old’s battle with the illness had touched Pimblett deeply. Speaking in the octagon, Pimblett said: “I just want to dedicate this fight to little Chaddy the Baddy, seven years of age, lost his life to cancer, seven years old.”

Pimblett’s gesture not only highlighted his humility but also connected his personal triumphs with the broader human stories that resonate with his fans. The tribute was a poignant reminder of the impact sports figures can have beyond the confines of the arena.

Setting Sights on Renato Moicano

With his new ranking secured, Pimblett is setting his sights on his next challenge. For the first time since joining the UFC, Pimblett has publicly called out an opponent, targeting the Brazilian fighter Renato Moicano. Pimblett’s ambition is clear as he seeks to arrange a bout with Moicano before the end of 2024 or early 2025.

“Well now I’ve got a ranking next to my name so suck this. I have a name everyone wants me to fight Renato Moicano, hopefully he gets through BSD and we’ll see if we can settle it before the end of the year or in the new year,” Pimblett declared.

This call-out signifies Pimblett’s readiness to engage with higher-ranked fighters and further establish his presence in the lightweight division. His willingness to take on challenging opponents reflects his confidence and commitment to climbing the UFC ladder.

The Dream of an Anfield Showpiece

In addition to his fighting ambitions, Pimblett has been vocal about his desire to host a UFC event at Anfield, Liverpool FC’s iconic home ground. Ahead of UFC 304, Pimblett revealed that he has discussed the possibility with Liverpool’s hierarchy, including the club’s CEO. According to Pimblett, there is significant enthusiasm for the idea, with discussions already underway.

“I’ve spoken to people at Anfield about it. I’ve spoken to the CEO of Liverpool and they are all willing and happy to get it on. They want to do it,” Pimblett said. “They’ve said it to me plenty of times. I sit in the Legends Lounge when I go to the [Liverpool] games and I’ve been to the boardroom where the CEO sits and they want to do it. I’d love the UFC to get in contact with them and get it done.”

Pimblett’s vision of staging a UFC event at Anfield, with its capacity of around 60,000-80,000 depending on seating arrangements, reflects his ambition and his connection to his footballing roots. His belief in selling out such a venue without a title fight underscores his drawing power and the strong support he commands from his local fan base.

Conclusion

Paddy Pimblett’s ascent in the UFC continues to capture the imagination of fans and analysts alike. With his recent victory over King Green, an emotional tribute to a young fan, and a strategic call-out of Renato Moicano, Pimblett is not only making waves in the octagon but also building a compelling narrative that extends beyond his fighting career. His dream of an Anfield showpiece adds another layer to his evolving story, highlighting his deep connection to Liverpool and his ambition to bring the UFC to his hometown.