Rising UFC star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett recently opened up about a memorable interaction with boxing legend Mike Tyson that left a lasting impression on his career approach.
Pimblett, fresh off his monumental victory against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in Miami, revealed the wisdom Tyson imparted during their meeting for the boxing icon’s podcast.
“Mike spoke to me about a few different things and one of the main things he said to me is, ‘don’t let people take advantage of you,'” Pimblett shared during a British GQ interview where he answered internet questions. “That was something he said to me that I won’t ever forget.”
The Liverpool star has been steadily climbing the UFC ranks, now securing seven consecutive victories since joining the organization from Cage Warriors. His third-round stoppage of Chandler not only earned him an official spot in the UFC rankings but also continues to elevate his star power in the sport.
When asked about his interaction with Tyson during the podcast recording, Pimblett described the experience warmly. “Of course. We went in the back and smoked a blunt together. He’s a cool dude,” he said, indicating the relaxed nature of their conversation.
Following his career-defining win over Chandler, Pimblett has his sights set on bigger opportunities, potentially leading to a UFC title shot. “Whoever that one person is that will get me a title shot, I want that fight,” he explained on the “IT’S TIME!!! with Bruce Buffer” podcast.
The rising UFC star is specifically targeting an appearance in Abu Dhabi this October. ” The UFC always do a pay-per-view there in October,” Pimblett explained.
“I just think it would be the perfect time to come back. Recharge my batteries over the summer, keep training every day, keep the weight down, and then go right back into camp in August or September.”
With victories over prominent names like Tony Ferguson, King Green, and now Michael Chandler, Pimblett’s trajectory in the lightweight division continues to ascend—all while keeping Tyson’s advice about protecting himself from exploitation firmly in mind as his profile rises.
🚨🚨🚨 LA PERFORMANCE XXL DE PADDY PIMBLETT 🏴
IL TERMINE MICHAEL CHANDLER 🇺🇸 AVEC UN ÉNORME GROUND AND POUND AU 3ÈME ROUND 🤯🤯🤯#UFC314 pic.twitter.com/fNMYVDrXUP
— ARENA (@MMArena_) April 13, 2025
Chandler has a rear body lock
Pimblett elbows him
Chandler opens his hands to move to a safer angle but
that gives Pimblett space for a kimura
Chandler tries to slam Pimblett but Pimblett stays up by hooking his leg
After Pimblett scrambles back to his feet he jumps a triangle pic.twitter.com/hb7Rv5y5Mq— William – Open Note Grappling 📝 (@OpenNoteGrapple) April 13, 2025
