Paddy Pimblett’s Greatest Moments in the Cage
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Paddy Pimblett has steadily climbed the ranks of the lightweight division since signing to the UFC back in 2021. At UFC 314, he steps into the most pivotal fight of his career, facing his toughest challenge yet. The rising lightweight prospects will take on the explosive Michael Chandler. Before the action goes down, let’s take look back on some of Pimblett’s greatest moments inside the Octagon.
Paddy’s First Finish in Cage Warriors
On May 3, 2014, Pimblett would make his fourth appearance under the Cage Warriors banner at Cage Warriors 68. In this bout, the young fighter crossed paths with Conrad Hayes (5-2). Coming into this fight, Pimblett was 2-1 in his three fights with the promotion.
Pimblett was able to showcase his crafty grappling skills against Hayes. He managed to fend off an early barrage to start the fight and ended up nullifying his opponent’s offense. This fight stood out in the young star’s budding career because of how he finished his opponent. After being pressed against the cage, Pimblett jockeyed for position until elaborately securing a flying triangle choke. While held against the cage, he battered Hayes with sharp elbows until forcing him to drop to the canvas. From there, Paddy kept composure, using his emphatic elbows to shift into a triangle armbar, forcing Hayes to tap.
Paddy Captures Cage Warriors Gold
Fast-forward four years. On September 10, 2016, a 21-year-old Pimblett would fight for the vacant Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship at Cage Warriors 78. He faced France’s experienced and well-rounded Johnny Frachey (18-10). Paddy put on an eye-catching performance in this championship bout.
After a rather tame opening 90 seconds of the first round, Pimblett exploded into a flying knee across the cage. This move closed the distance on the much shorter Frachey. Pimblett used this entry to load up a massive right-hand flush to his jaw, sending Frachey crashing to the ground up against the cage. Pimblett wasted no time producing effective follow-up ground-and-pound punches, forcing the referee to call the contest. Some argue that this was the specific performance that put Pimblett on the UFC’s radar.
Paddy’s Cage Warriors Finale
On March 20, 2021, 26-year-old Pimblett would make his final appearance for the Cage Warriors promotion at Cage Warriors 122. In this lightweight bout, he took on the 27-year-old Davide Martinez (8-2). Pimblett wowed viewers with his dominant performance over Martinez, making his future UFC debut that much bigger.
The rising Liverpool star showed new layers in his game, implementing a diverse range of kicks, both high and low. He landed a thudding left high kick on Martinez’s face and swarmed him with punches. Eventually, Pimblett hip-tossed Martinez to the floor and instantly transitioned into the top position. From there, Pimblett controlled the fight until Martinez gave up his neck for a rear naked choke.
Paddy’s Jaw-Dropping UFC Debut
Following Pimblett’s impressive first-round submission of Davide Martinez, the Liverpool native had finally punched his ticket to the big leagues. On September 4, 2021, Pimblett would face the 25-year-old Luigi Vendramini (9-2). This was a dangerous matchup for Pimblett, Vendramini had already fought three times in the UFC. He also held an eye-catching 100% finish rate for his career.
But, many questions were answered in this fight as Pimblett nearly suffered a brutal knockout in the opening round. The two lightweights had met in the center of the octagon and engaged in a war of swinging hooks. Pimblett caught the worst of this exchange as Vendramini popped him with a massive left hook on the jaw. Paddy showed stupendous composure following this massive blow and regained his wits. Once the chaos slowed, he assumed control of the action with his diverse kicks.
Vendramini seemed to have experienced an adrenaline dump following his massive left hook. Pimblett took advantage of his opponent’s depleted gas tank by upping the pressure and strike output. Eventually, Pimblett’s pressure and determination proved too much for the Brazilian to handle, rocking Vendramini with a hard uppercut, then hounding him with winging hooks until he crashed to the canvas. Pimblett earned himself a ‘Performance of the Night’ performance bonus for this wild victory and showing.
Paddy Taps Leavitt
On July 23, 2022, 27-year-old Pimblett fought in London, England, for the second time under the UFC banner. In this highly billed lightweight contest, he faced the talented grappler Jordan Leavitt (10-1). The home crowd fighter was forced to rally back into the fight after a lackluster first round. Leavitt got the better of Pimblett by controlling the grappling exchanges. He held him against the cage and secured takedowns throughout the opening round. This round had some back-and-forth as Pimblett would reverse position and control Leavitt in his own right.
Eventually, Paddy showed fans why his grappling skills are highly discussed. While being controlled against the cage, he slickly sunk in a choke on Leavitt. Pimblett used this choke to transition to the back of Leavitt. He was able to trap Leavitt’s right arm using a body triangle, making a rear naked choke much more attainable. Pimblett mixed in ground-and-pound to distract Leavitt, making him vulnerable for the fight-ending rear naked choke.
Paddy Smokes Green
On July 27, 2024, 29-year-old Pimblett faced the toughest matchup of his career with UFC veteran and No. 15-ranked lightweight King Green (32-15-1, 1NC). Both men entered this pay-per-view main card contest at even betting odds. It was a pivotal moment in Pimblett’s career, as he finally had a shot at breaking into the top-15 rankings. Notably, this fight also marked the debut of his signature orange-colored fight trunks.
Pimblett ultimately rose to the occasion. The superior grappler was willing to exchange strikes on the feet and seemed to be getting the better of them. Paddy found most of his success in using the low kicks and counterstriking. Green was quite flustered, given Pimblett’s success on the feet. This prompted him to go for a telegraphed takedown entry on the elite submission threat. Pimblett immediately locked in a guillotine on the takedown but quickly transitioned into a triangle choke off his back. He battered Green with elbows until finding a tighter squeeze, sending Green unconscious.
What are your favorite Paddy moments? Let us know in the comments!
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