In a collaboration with popular YouTuber Danny Duncan a while ago, UFC star Paddy Pimblett has found himself at the center of controversy following an interaction with one of Duncan’s collaborators.
The Liverpool MMA star, who has built a reputation as one of UFC’s rising stars with a 6-0 record in the promotion, appeared in a video on Duncan’s channel, which boasts over seven million subscribers. While the video largely featured Pimblett demonstrating grappling techniques that have made him successful in the octagon, one particular moment has drawn significant attention online.
In the clip, Duncan’s collaborator Kewon is seen holding a pad for Pimblett to kick. “Don’t make it hard, brother,” Kewon says, to which Pimblett responds by referencing the famous scene from the movie ‘300’: “Like Sparta? ‘This is Sparta’?”
The ensuing kick sent Kewon flying backward, prompting laughter from onlookers. Pimblett immediately checked on Kewon’s well-being, saying, “I didn’t even kick that out of there either.”
While many viewers appreciated the apparent camaraderie between the participants, the interaction has sparked criticism from some quarters. One social media user commented: “Bullying dwarfs… paddy doing paddy things.” Another added: “Mr diversity champion Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett beating up Black little people is the least surprising thing hitting my timeline today…”
Pimblett updated fans about his surgery on Instagram Tuesday, writing: “Surgery time see yas on the other side.”
Paddy Pimblett faces Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
