“I’m a scouser - we don't get knocked out.” 

Paddy Pimblett is a 27-year-old mop-haired, straight-talking English MMA fighter who hails from Liverpool - and who’s currently taking the fighting world by storm. 

Having started out in Cage Warriors, Pimblett - nicknamed Paddy the Baddy - recently submitted Jordan Leavitt in a July Fight Night, and now the world is talking about this explosive scouser who’s already confident enough to reject UFC boss Dana White’s proposal for him to spar next in New York City. 

But who is Paddy Pimblett, what’s his career been like so far - and what are the possibilities for this rising star?

Let’s find out! 

Early Days 

Paddy Pimblett started training in MMA in his mid-teens. By the time he’d joined Next Generation MMA, he knew that a career in mixed martial arts was the road for him. 

Pimblett then turned pro in 2012 and held an impressive undefeated record over 3 fights before joining forces with Cage Warriors, where he made his name. 

Not long later, the Baddy claimed the Wage Warriors championship until he lost it and moved up to the lightweight division. 

UFC

If there’s a UFC combatant that doesn’t look like a UFC combatant, it’s probably Pimblett. 

The scouser has admitted he “looks like the kid next door,” and jokingly compared himself to the stereotypical UFC fighter that boasts big muscles, snarls and tattoos. 

“I’ve got this haircut and not a single tattoo.” 

However, Pimblett turns into a different animal when he enters the Octagon. He made his UFC debut in September 2021, recording a first-round knockout against Luigi Vendramini. 

Paddy, who has an Orthodox stance, then saw off Kazula Vargas with a rear naked choke, again in the first round. 

In July 2022, he entered the Octagon for the third time as a UFC fighter, submitting Jordan Leavitt after two-minutes and forty-six seconds to record his third straight win and add another fight to his highlight reel. 

As it stands, Paddy is sitting on a $12k contract with the UFC - but naturally harbors aspirations to hit the big time, especially considering the size of his fanbase. 

Not just that, but Pimblett reportedly signed a 7-figure sponsorship deal in late 2021 to work alongside Barstool Sports. 

Molly McCann 

Much has been made of Paddy Pimblett’s relationship with fellow female fighter Molly McCann.

Like Pimblett, McCann is a scouser who shares her mate's appetite for big talking. 

The two have such a close bond - both professionally and personally - that they could be seen celebrating together in the aftermath of Paddy’s most recent win. 

Molly, meanwhile, credits Paddy with helping to shape her as a fighter, saying “he gives me confidence and an edge and he makes me believe.” 

Molly McCann fought at the same UFC London as Paddy in July this year. 

Charity Spirit 

Pimblett might be known as Paddy the Baddy but he’s a fighter with a big heart, especially when it comes to his home city. 

Fighting talk to him is just as much about raising others up. 

“My city keeps me grounded,” explained the Liverpudlian in a 2022 interview. He said he hopes to earn as much cash as Conor McGregor. “I’m going to give back to my city. No child in this city would ever eat from a food bank ever again.”

The Baddy has previously been seen at charity fundraisers. 

What’s Next for Paddy the Baddy?

Paddy has already dismissed the idea that he’ll fight again at the O2 Arena, saying it’s “too small.”

With his trademark cocksure swagger, he says that he “knows for a fact I’ll be fighting on pay-per-views with Jon Anik and Joe Rogan commentating.”

Paddy aspires to one day fight at Anfield, the home of his beloved Liverpool FC, even though Dana White has reportedly already given that idea short shrift. 

However, it remains to be seen when Paddy will fight in front of US UFC fans for the first time. 

In terms of who he might fight next, he likely has three main options: 

• Jim Miller:  38-year-old lightweight UFC veteran who’s fought more fights than any other UFC combatant. Continues to be a big draw and would arguably be Paddy’s toughest opponent thus far
• Clay Guida: Guida might now be 40 but he’s part of the UFC furniture who would help to increase Paddy’s exposure across the pond. 
• Matt Frevola: 32-year-old Frevola joined UFC in 2018. And while he isn’t as big a name as Miller or Guida, he’s got the experience and know-how that could cause the Baddy a few problems. 

Like Paddy the Baddy? Let us know what you think about his career so far and who he might fight next!