Paddy Pimblett responds to criticism after given UFC co-main event

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Paddy Pimblett has responded to criticism after some have claimed that he has been pushed too quickly by the UFC. The Liverpudlian has fought just three times since joining from Cage Warriors last year, winning all three by dramatic stoppages whilst winning over fans with his flamboyant personality and unique fighting style. Pimblett defeated Luigi Vendramini by way of knockout at the UFC Apex in 2021, before winning at UFC London twice this year with wins over Kazula Vargas and Jordan Leavitt to elevate his stock in the lightweight division.

Pimblett will face Jared Gordon as the co-main event at UFC 282, after the fight was elevated following the announcement of Jiri Prochazka vs Glover Teixiera being scrapped as the main event, following the former suffering with a severe shoulder injury.

It’s a huge step up for the Liverpudlian after previously fighting on Fight Nights, held at the UFC Apex arena and 02 Arena in London, to now fighting on a main card against his toughest opponent to date.

Should Pimblett win, he could hugely elevate himself once more in the stacked lightweight division – something which some feel is not worthy after only three fights in the UFC, all coming against unranked opponents. 

Pimblett told Dana White on his podcast: “It annoys me when people say I am being pushed by the UFC. I am not, I am just creating better content than all of you. Just because you couldn’t sell a bible to an orthodox christian. It’s mad, people say I am being pushed. I am not, my numbers are just better.”

White responded by saying: “You’re a smart kid. Some people just have that IT factor. There are some guys that are incredibly talent and people do not care until they reach a certain level. 

“And there’s some guys like Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, you and the list goes on and on. It’s like what I saw with Chuck Liddell, he has that thing and people love him. Some people have it and some people don’t. No-one gets pushed more than another, what happens is when a guy like you comes in, it seems like you’re getting pushed because everyone wants to talk to you and give you deals – people get jealous of that. People just want to hate.”

Should Pimblett defeat Gordon, White has insinuated he is likely to be a headlining fighter on a Fight Night card in 2023. The Liverpudlian could also feature on the upcoming 02 Arena event – the first PPV held in the UK since 2016.

That night will see Leon Edwards defend his belt against Kamaru Usman, after the Birmingham fighter shocked the world when he gave Usman his first UFC loss earlier this year. Khamzat Chimeav vs Colby Covington is also likely to feature on the card.

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