UFC star Paddy Pimblett’s verdict on Conor McGregor surprises Gary Neville

Offbeat news from the world of sport

Paddy Pimblett doesn't believe Conor McGregor gets the respect he deserves considering the impact he's had on mixed martial arts.

McGregor—who turned 34 on Thursday—blazed a trail for European fighters in the UFC and has become one of the most recognisable faces in sport. 'Notorious' has seen his profile suffer in recent years, however, and hasn't fought since fracturing his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.

The Dubliner has set an example in how MMA stars like Pimblett, 27, and Molly McCann can market themselves to a global audience. And the former was particularly proud to fight McGregor's corner when he sat down with ex-England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville on The Overlap.

READ MORE: UFC boss Dana White slammed for giving YouTube star $250,000 in cash amid fighter pay row

"Yeah, I think he's going to come back before the end of the year", replied Pimblett after Neville asked about McGregor's current condition and when he might fight again. "I think he gets a lot of disrespect, lad, and it does my head in. Because without him, a lot of MMA fighters wouldn't be getting paid what they are."

McGregor raised the ceiling in regards to the maximum amount fighters can earn in the UFC, but there's still fervent debate surrounding fighter pay in the world's biggest MMA promotion. UFC President Dana White recently angered many fans when he gifted prankster Kyle Forgeard $250,000 (£211,000) in cash for his birthday.

"Prime example: if it wasn't for Conor McGregor, you [Neville] probably wouldn't be sitting here with us now, doing this," continued Pimblett as Neville looked on deliberating what to say next. "Because he's the one that made the sport global. Conor took it to a new level, and that's why I think no-one gives him the respect he deserves."

Where does Conor McGregor rank among the greatest UFC fighters of all time? Let us know in the comments section.

The likes of Jon Jones, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov—who defeated McGregor in 2018—each have cases to be called MMA's GOAT (Greatest of all Time). However, McGregor could easily be argued as the most entertaining athlete the sport has produced.

That applies as much to his salesmanship and on-mic ability outside the Octagon as it does his ability inside the cage. Lightweight Pimblett shares those similarities with the veteran, backing up his hilarious demeanour with a 100-per cent finish rate since joining the UFC in 2021.

Both Pimblett and McCann, 32, will be back in action on home soil when Tom Aspinall takes on Curtis Blaydes in a potential heavyweight title eliminator in London on July 23. 'The Baddy' will face submission specialist Jordan Leavitt at the O2 Arena hoping to extend his four-win streak, while McCann takes on Hannah Goldy in the women's flyweight division.

READ NEXT:

  • Meatball Molly says she'd "love" to confront Rishi Sunak as Paddy Pimblett weighs in

  • Conor McGregor labels Jake Paul a "flop" despite YouTuber's unbeaten record

  • Ricky Hatton goes on Dublin pub crawl with new beauty therapist girlfriend

  • Conor Benn and Chris Eubank Jr close in on date for clash between legends' sons

  • Ronda Rousey's terms met over unlikely MMA return as dream opponent responds

  • Paddy Pimblett
  • Conor Mcgregor
  • UFC
  • Gary Neville

Source: Read Full Article