Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett has called out Portugal star Bernardo Silva to a UFC fight while slamming the midfielder as a "piece of s***".
Pimblett is becoming week-on-week one of the most recognisable faces on the UFC roster and is back in action on Saturday night when he takes on Jared Gordon at UFC 282 in Las Vegas. During his time in the promotion, Pimblett has made clear his love for hometown club Liverpool and has been spotted attending matches at the Reds' stadium, Anfield.
The Liverpudlian has previously declared his animosity towards Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes and called him out to a UFC fight for his antics during a clash with Jurgen Klopp's side. In a fresh tirade against a footballer, Pimblett has turned his attention elsewhere - and has made a play for Fernandes' international teammate Silva.
He responded when asked which footballer he would like to fight during an episode of talkSPORT's Pub Talk : “Last season, when he first got signed, it was Bruno Fernandes, because of how overrated he was. But now, it’s Bernardo Silva, lad. I don’t know anyone who likes Bernardo Silva, lad. He’s an unbelievable footballer. He’s a proper baller.
"But he’s a horrible wrong’un. He’s a piece of s***. That time when they gave us [Liverpool] a guard of honour, and he just stood there. Come on lad.” Silva has been hugely influential for Liverpool's main title rivals Manchester City in recent years, including playing a pivotal role in the side's final-day Premier League title win last season.
Right now, Silva is also having similar success on the international stage, where he is a regular feature of national side Portugal's World Cup starting XI, helping them reach the quarter-finals in Qatar. The 28-year-old will likely start their next match against Morocco on Saturday, hours before Pimblett will return to the cage.
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Silva has been vocal in the past about Liverpool and even engaged in a Twitter spat with fans of the club. He wrote: "And to all Liverpool fans that have nothing else to do than to come to a Man City player account, I’m also sorry for you but for the wrong reasons... pathetic... go celebrate your titles, or try to find a partner, drink a beer with a friend, read a book... so many options! I guess reading a book was a bit too much for you... maybe just go for a brew."
Meanwhile, Pimblett is building up to his next fight against Gordon in Las Vegas this weekend. And he doesn't believe his rival will make it beyond the first round as the Brit eyes another performance bonus.
“I’m a finisher, I don’t play with my food,” Pimblett said on UFC 282 Embedded. “I finish my dinner and that’s what I’m going to do. I don’t decision anyone. I’m coming in to get the finish and another $50,000 bonus because that’s how I roll.”
