Paddy Pimblett recently came close to claiming the top prize at his gym’s annual Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. Known as “The Buddy,” he is gearing up to challenge Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24th. Despite the intense preparation, he still embraced a cherished tradition within the next-gen MMA community. Every year, his renowned Liverpool gym hosts the ‘King of the Mat’ grappling tournament, where all of Pimblett’s teammates battle until only one remains.
In the 2024 edition, Pimblett emerged as co-champion after a final match that saw him and his training partner Matty Holmes deadlock. Next Generation’s head coach, Paul Rimmer, decided to divide the prize money between them. Pimblett admitted that during his toughest training camp yet, he struggled to fully commit to the tournament, focusing on beating Gaethje. He progressed to the finals but was ultimately forced to tap out to BJJ black belt Aaron Jordan via a calf slicer, who then donated his £720 winnings to local charities. Despite the painful submission, Pimblett recovered quickly, and the two competitors showed sportsmanship with a handshake.
Looking ahead, Paddy Pimblett is open to a high-profile superfight. In a chat with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall on YouTube, Pimblett speculated that becoming the undisputed lightweight champion could entice featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski to move back up a division, especially if Volkanovski defeats Diego Lopez at UFC 325. Pimblett expressed that while he likes Volkanovski and doesn’t want that fight personally, Volkanovski might see it as his best chance to capture the lightweight belt.
Fan Take: This news highlights Pimblett’s dedication to honoring MMA traditions even while preparing for major fights, showing his well-rounded commitment to the sport. The potential superfight with Volkanovski could ignite an exciting new chapter in UFC history, blending star power and top-tier competition for fans worldwide.
