Paddy Pimblett has enjoyed three months out of the Octagon since his win against Jordan Leavitt at UFC London in July but, despite his status as a big name within UFC, claims that he is struggling to find his next opponent.
The 27-year-old from Liverpool has enjoyed three successive stoppages in his UFC career, which means that a step-up in quality could be required for his next fight. However, there appears to be a lack of options at present despite a number of call outs. The lightweight admitted as much while commentating for Cage Warriors last weekend.
“I’m planning on fighting Decemeber 10 UFC 282,” Pimblett said while commentating in Italy. “I’m planning on fighting on that [show]. I’m just waiting for an opponent. I’m just waiting for an opponent to step up and sign the dotted line. Everyone talks about ‘The Baddy.’ Everyone talks about fighting me. When the contract is in front of them, they’re not as confident.”
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Bobby Green, Ilia Topuria, Jared Gordon, Matt Frevola and Terrance McKinney among others are who could be next for the former Cage Warriors star. However, there is still two months to go before any fight, but an opponent will need to be sorted within the next few weeks for the Las Vegas date at UFC 282.
“I don’t think there’s anyone ducking me,” Pimblett added. “I don’t think anyone would duck me, because I don’t look very scary. My style, everyone looks at it, ‘I’ll beat him. I’ll beat him.’ I don’t think anyone would duck me, because I have the recognition, as you say, the following that they haven’t gotten. Everyone is going to try to beat me and steal the hype, but no one is going to do it.”
One name who could fit the bill for The Baddy is Conor McGregor, with the Baddy speaking last month about the prospect of a fight with the Irish star. 'Notorious' has not fought in over a year following back to back defeats to Dustin Poirier and at the age of 34 could be looking for a final lucrative contest before hanging up his gloves.
Pimblett spoke about a potential fight against McGregor on Steve-O's Wild Ride podcast, saying: “You never know, down the line me and him could end up fighting. It’s a possibility [if he] comes back down to 155lbs – that would be the biggest pay-per-view in the history of the UFC."
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