While UK fans wonder when Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones will face off in the Octagon, Paddy Pimblett’s popularity continues to grow. Even outside of the UK, the charismatic Liverpudlian is winning plenty of admirers, particularly after seeing off Michael Chandler with ease at UFC 314. A fighter many have mocked, Pimblett has star potential.
Even though it’s fair to say Paddy Pimblett will have tougher tests to come, nobody can deny just how impressive he was against experienced operators in the shape of Chandler and even King Green. For fans looking at the latest UFC odds, Pimblett is a fighter worth backing. He has already shown that he can prove his doubters wrong, and his evident desire to be the best is making him stand out now.
Not everyone is necessarily convinced by Paddy Pimblett’s potential, though. And while he competes in arguably the toughest division in the whole promotion, “Paddy The Baddy” shows the world why he isn’t the pushover many thought he was. He’s the real deal. Here’s why below.
A unique and exciting fight style
Paddy Pimblett has several weapons in his arsenal. Recently, he has improved his striking ability, while his submission game is right up there with some of the best fighters around. Throw in his unorthodox all-round approach, particularly when it comes to striking, and he’s a tricky customer to overcome. Always on the front foot and wanting to put on a show for the fans, Paddy Pimblett is an exciting fighter.
A media darling
When Paddy Pimblett first burst onto the scene, he was ridiculed for his poor diet and silly haircut. Nowadays, though, he has shaken off that somewhat unfair treatment to become a fighter the media can’t wait to hear from. From his pre-fight press conferences to the comical content on his YouTube channel, the Liverpool-born fighter is a media darling in the making after proving his initial doubters wrong and winning the respect of the media in the process.
Pimblett brings comedy
The fans can’t wait to watch Paddy Pimblett promote fights alongside the media. Not only is he hilarious, but you don’t know what he will say next. Similar in some respects to the likes of Conor McGregor, Pimblett loves to entertain when the cameras are on him. In a sport arguably crying out for more characters, Paddy Pimblett brings fun and entertainment to proceedings. For the UFC as a promotion, he’s a dream.
An impressive record
Coupled with his comical value outside of the Octagon, as we’ve already mentioned, Pimblett is a highly talented fighter. He is undefeated in the UFC and has fought some experienced fighters, many fans and experts thought would expose him. Of course, they aren’t in their prime anymore, but Pimblett can only beat what’s in front of him, and most of his opponents have been easily dismantled. Tougher tests await, but Pimblett is already rising in the rankings, and at 30, he still has plenty of time on his side to improve even further. A title shot feels inevitable right now.
Mental Toughness That’s Hard to Ignore
One of the most underrated yet crucial aspects of Paddy Pimblett’s rise through the UFC ranks is his exceptional mental toughness. While fans and analysts often focus on technique, physical conditioning, and fight IQ, it’s Pimblett’s mindset that has arguably propelled him to where he is today. Mental resilience in mixed martial arts is everything—it can mean the difference between freezing in the spotlight or rising to the occasion. And Pimblett, time and time again, has proven that he thrives under the pressure of high expectations and hostile crowds.
This mental strength is not just about composure in the Octagon. It extends to how Pimblett handles media scrutiny, criticism from fellow fighters, and the weight of public opinion. Early in his career, he was often the subject of ridicule for his flashy personality, unusual haircut, and yo-yo weight fluctuations between fights. Many dismissed him as all hype and no substance. Instead of cracking under that pressure, Pimblett doubled down on his training, re-focused his mental game, and let his performances speak louder than the noise around him.
Even more importantly, Pimblett has been vocal about his own struggles with mental health, becoming an advocate for awareness in a sport that traditionally prizes toughness above vulnerability. In a now-famous post-fight interview, he tearfully spoke about the suicide of a friend and implored men to talk about their feelings more. That moment resonated globally—not just with MMA fans but with anyone who’s ever faced personal battles in silence. In a brutally competitive industry, being open about such issues and still stepping into the cage to fight takes a special kind of mental strength.
Paddy’s emotional maturity, coupled with his ability to maintain focus through the chaos of fame, media attention, and personal struggles, adds a layer to his persona that many fighters lack. This edge could be what helps him stay steady when future title fights or five-round wars inevitably come calling.
A Loyal Fanbase That Travels
One of the most noticeable aspects of any Paddy Pimblett fight isn’t just what happens in the cage—it’s the sound of the crowd. From sold-out arenas in London to electric atmospheres in Las Vegas, Pimblett has quickly become a fighter who guarantees box office appeal. A large part of that draw is his fiercely loyal fanbase, who travel en masse to support their man.
These fans aren’t casual supporters—they are loud, passionate, and deeply connected to Pimblett’s journey. They come waving Liverpool flags, chanting his name, and creating an atmosphere that makes every Pimblett fight feel like a homecoming, regardless of location. It’s reminiscent of the following that surrounded Conor McGregor’s early UFC run, with Irish fans turning every fight into an event. Paddy’s fanbase, mainly rooted in Liverpool and greater England, brings similar energy to arenas all over the world.
What sets his supporters apart is their unwavering commitment. They backed him during Cage Warriors, flooded social media with support during his early UFC fights, and continue to follow his career regardless of setbacks or criticism. This kind of grassroots backing is something the UFC treasures. A fighter who can sell tickets, move merchandise, and generate global buzz becomes a promotional asset—and Pimblett fits that mold perfectly.
Moreover, having a vocal and visible fanbase often sways public perception and, sometimes, even fight outcomes. Judges are human, and when the arena erupts at every punch or takedown a fighter lands, it can influence close rounds. Beyond the Octagon, promoters are more likely to feature fan-favorite fighters on main cards and pay-per-view events. Pimblett’s popularity isn’t just a feel-good story—it’s a business advantage that the UFC is leveraging to great effect.
Matchmaking That Works in His Favor
While Pimblett’s record continues to grow, some critics point out that he hasn’t yet fought the top tier of the lightweight division. However, from a strategic standpoint, this approach makes sense. The UFC has been meticulous in building his profile while slowly raising the caliber of his opponents. This kind of patient matchmaking is standard for fighters with mainstream appeal—it gives them time to develop into legitimate contenders rather than rushing into deep waters too soon.
Each opponent Pimblett has faced has brought different challenges. Some tested his cardio. Others tried to neutralize his grappling game. Fighters like Michael Chandler and King Green brought experience, aggression, and hype. Yet Pimblett passed each of these tests with growing composure and skill. These calculated matchups have allowed him to evolve visibly from fight to fight, which builds momentum and silences critics gradually rather than all at once.
There’s a long-term strategy at play. The UFC knows that if Pimblett continues to win and develop his game, a major showdown down the line—perhaps against a top-five opponent—will have even more buildup, media attention, and financial value. It’s the same playbook that was used with stars like Israel Adesanya and Sean O’Malley, where early-career matchmaking was tailored to development and brand building before throwing them into the deep end.
Additionally, Pimblett’s ability to adapt mid-fight is improving. He’s learning how to adjust his pace, pick his moments, and capitalize on opponents’ mistakes. So when that top-ranked opponent does come knocking, Pimblett is likely to be far more seasoned than his critics expect. And if the UFC continues to carefully select his fights with long-term growth in mind, his transition into the elite tier could be seamless.
A desire to improve
During the early days of his UFC career, it felt like Paddy Pimblett couldn’t get much better. Since then, he has stopped piling on the pounds in between fights and is in the gym every day. Pimblett wants to be the best. Something has clicked in the last year or two, potentially due to the arrival of his twins.
