Former heavyweight champion and legendary UFC fighter Daniel Cormier has made a comparison between Conor McGregor and upcoming Liverpool star Paddy Pimblett.
The Liverpudlian fighter Pimblett has made an impressive start to his UFC career having signed in 2021, announcing himself with a stunning first-round TKO win over Luigi Vendramini at UFC Fight Night 191. Including his Cage Warriors career, Pimblett now boasts an impressive record of 17 wins and just three losses.
And he's set for his second bout in the company this weekend when he takes on Rodrigo 'Kazula' Vargas at UFC London.
The 26-year-old is on a four-year deal with Dana White’s promotion, but given his increasing popularity and potential, Pimblett has leapfrogged many UFC fighters to become a household name just one fight into his career within the company.
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With his charismatic style of fighting as well as his presence and persona, comparisons have been made between him and McGregor and Cormier has made a similar statement, believing that a win for Pimblett at UFC London will feel like McGregor winning in Ireland.
Cormier said: "You know what I think back to? I think back to Conor McGregor fighting Marcus Brimage in Ireland. He was young in his career, he had barely started, and he got to fight at home in front of those people and it just elevated him.
"Right away, Conor McGregor was on his way. They strapped the rocket ship to his back, and he was to the moon. Next thing you know they stuck him in Boston, where outside of being in Ireland, going to Boston is as close to Ireland as you can get. At every turn he took the right step.
"If Pimblett goes and does something special on Saturday, it’ll be the same type of situation. Everything plays a part, Ryan. Like I said the only thing missing from his debut, was that massive explosion from the fans after he did what we did. If he can do that this weekend, he will get that, and then the highlight will play over and over again."
In an interview with ESPN, Pimblett has admitted that he's already eyeing a fight with McGregor.
He said: "Yeah, besides him because he has the name. I know for a fact if I fought him it would be the most box offices sold ever. Without a shadow of a doubt.
"People want to see him get beat and people want to see him win and people want to see me get beat and people want to see me win."
Asked why he is confident of defeating McGregor, Pimblett said: "Because I’m The Baddy. I’ve got a little saying. ‘Everyone loves The Baddy.’ Everyone lad, it’s boss. It’s a great feeling."
