UFC’s rising star Paddy Pimblett made a startling claim following his easy win over Rodrigo ‘Kazula’ Vargas yesterday. The 27-year-old British brawler claimed his match was way more exciting than any of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s.
Khabib Nurmagomedov was undefeated in his professional MMA career. The former lightweight champion boasted of a clean record consisting of 29 wins and 0 losses. While many would agree that Khabib was one of the greatest in the world, some people found him boring to watch due to his reliance on grappling. Thanks to his stellar performances in the UFC Khabib was announced to be the 2022 inductee into UFC Hall of Fame.
Paddy Pimblett won against Kazula Vargas via first round submission after stumbling for a bit, getting taken down and seriously threatened. He went on to have a comeback, get his own takedown and snatch the back of Vargas. Pimblett subsequently compared himself to the UFC veteran. Pimblett believes even his grappling is entertaining to watch. In a post fight interview with ESPN, Pimblett claimed that he has never been in a boring fight, unlike Khabib Nurmagomedov.
“That’s another performance of the night. I’m never in a boring fight, that’s something that you can’t say about me. Khabib might have went 29-0 but he was never in an exciting fight like that, end of.” Pimblett told ESPN.
Paddy Pimblett surely made a bold claim, causing serious side eye. Previously, Pimblett said his clash with Conor McGregor would be the biggest PPV ever.
“That would be the biggest PPV the UFC has ever seen. Without a shadow of a doubt. [Even] without an American in it. That would be the biggest PPV the UFC has ever seen in their lives. I know for the fact of it.” Pimblett said prior to yesterday’s fight.
At the press confrence White was asked about Pimblett’s rising star to which White replied that even his face off got 1.2million views on White’s personal IG – his star power seems real.
Paddy Pimblett has gone 2-0 within the UFC. After this sensational victory, Pimblett will probably get a big name opponent for his next bout. The UFC is ready to offer him a bigger contract and give him the top 15 ranked opponent. Possible opponents floated are Brad Riddell, Gregor Gillespie, or Rafael Fiziev.