Former UFC champion Michael Bisping is sharing some words of wisdom for Paddy Pimblett.
In the past year, there might not have been a faster-rising fighter in the UFC than Paddy Pimblett. Certainly, in terms of popularity, Pimblett has been rising to the top. He burst on the UFC scene back in 2021 and has now strung together four wins in the organization. His last bout was a close one, one in which many fans thought he lost. The blowback from how Pimblett handled that hate has fueled even more of a backlash toward him.
Michael Bisping knows a bit about handling fans and the backlash that can arise in the public eye. Now he is sending some advice to the young up-and-comer on how to handle this situation.
Michael Bisping thinks Paddy Pimblett needs to be more humble
Bisping is a former UFC champion and had a long career before retiring and focusing on the commentary side of fighting. He is now in a unique position to comment on the fight game with a personal touch. Alongside his podcast partner Anthony Smith, Bisping commented on Pimblett’s last win over Jared Gordon and the way he handled the controversial decision.
“Some of the way he handled it afterward wasn’t the best. I can’t talk sh-t because I did a similar thing myself back in the day. So I’ve literally been in that position 15 years ago,” he said. “You know, you’re young, you get a lot of attention, maybe a bit of it goes to your head a little bit and you start to think to a certain degree that your sh-t doesn’t stink. Your sh-t still stinks, everyone’s does. It doesn’t matter how big you get because the court of public opinion will bring you back down to earth pretty f–king quickly and that’s what he experienced. I think what Paddy needs to do is just humble himself a little bit. Stop with this ”I’m the new cash cow sh-t.”
Bisping feels that Pimblett may have gotten a bit too full of himself, but feels there is still a chance to turn it around.
“He made a couple of little PR mistakes. This sport forgives fast and quickly, all you got to do is go out there beat someone and it’s all forgotten about,” he said. “Look at me. I made so many mistakes. I was hated, hated, we wouldn’t have a podcast now if I was still hated. I’ve been able to navigate past that.”
Pimblett believes that he is a future champion and thinks that he is the new “cash cow” for the UFC, he has said that on multiple occasions. Bisping agrees that his fellow England native is a hot commodity, but thinks he is wrong to assume that his name alone will get him top fights. He went on to explain that none of the top five fighters in the lightweight division need to take a fight with Pimblett. Bisping advises Pimblett to cool his trash-talking until after he has faced top competition.
