Daniel Cormier has called on the fans to release the pressure off Paddy Pimblett.
This past Saturday, Pimblett marked his return to action against Jared Gordon in the co-main event of UFC 282, the final pay-per-view of the year. Gordon rocked Pimblett early with some solid left hooks but the English sensation recovered quickly and managed to get the nod on the judges’ scorecards by unanimous decision. There was a lot of controversy about the result as fans and fighters argued Gordon did more to win. However, ‘The Baddy’ was confident of the victory and celebrated in style.
Daniel Cormier urges fans to release pressure off Paddy Pimblett
In an episode of 3 Rounds w/ Daniel Cormier, the former two-division UFC champion shared his thoughts on Pimblett following the divisive outcome.
“On the story of Paddy Pimblett, I think we at times take fighting and fighters too seriously,” Cormier said. “Everybody doesn’t have to become Chris Weidman, everybody does not have to become a champion. At times, we need to sometimes live in what we have right now. What we have with Paddy Pimblett is a fun guy that draws people in and he brings a great energy to the fight. Maybe we need to release some of the pressure and the idea of what Paddy Pimblett can become and live in the fun. Because right now, it’s pretty damn fun to watch Pimblett take over the arena the moment his music hits.”
Chris Weidman questioned if Pimblett was playing a gimmick
‘DC’ was joined by former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman for the episode. He questioned the legitimacy of Pimblett’s actions, wondering whether it was just a gimmick or if he was delusional.
“Take away the fighter for a second. Paddy is just confusing the hell out of me. I just want to know is it a gimmick? Him jumping on the mic right after he gets the decision. I thought he definitely lost 30-27. He lost all three rounds; the second round maybe being the closest but I still think he lost,” Weidman said. “If I was being generous to him, I’d give him the second. That being said I do not know if it’s confidence or a gimmick. It’s either he’s completely delusional or it’s a gimmick. If it’s a gimmick, all power to him, I bow down to him, he’s doing a great job.
“But if he’s that delusional, he’s out of his mind. For him to think he could give Makhachev a good match and compare himself to Charles Oliveira when he was getting rag dolled by Jared Gordon, who I have a lot of respect for, but he’s a small 155-pounder and he’s talking about Makhachev and Oliveira. I don’t understand where he’s getting this from. How could he talk like that?”
Company president Dana White pinned the blame on Jared Gordon for dropping the third round, while Pimblett confessed he coasted during the stanza. Gordon has called for a rematch with ‘The Baddy’ for the upcoming UFC 286 card in London card.