Paddy Pimblett believes Conor McGregor needs more respect on his name.
McGregor is the first-ever simultaneous two-weight UFC champion and is undoubtedly the biggest star the sport has ever produced.
However, despite his accomplishments, McGregor’s legacy and popularity has taken a massive hit in recent years, particularly for his antics outside the Octagon coupled along with his recent losses and overall inactivity.
The Irishman has no shortage of critics and detractors, and it’s fair to say his stock is at its lowest since becoming a mega star with the Las Vegas-based promotion.
Paddy Pimblett: Conor McGregor Changed The Game
But with that said, UFC lightweight prospect Pimblett doesn’t understand how McGregor has people putting him down at all.
Pimblett is looking to make it two wins in a row at UFC London this weekend and has been likened to McGregor. The Liverpool native is also a former Cage Warriors champion, has a cult following and isn’t afraid to speak his mind either.
Conor McGregor (@TheNotoriousMMA) was asked his thoughts on Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy).
I think it’s fair to say he’s onboard💥 pic.twitter.com/KRI23hUSTX
— Lewis Simpson (@LewisSimpsonMMA) November 11, 2021
And “The Paddy” is clearly a fan of McGregor’s and feels the former two-weight champion is being kicked while he’s down.
“He changed the game, simple as that,” Pimblett said in a recent interview (via Sportskeeda). “He’s changed the game for when it comes to fighter pay and stuff like that. I don’t understand how people can put him down. He’s the first double champ. People need to put more respect on his name.
“Man, it’s easy to kick someone when he’s down but when he was at his highest, he was taking the sport to levels we’ve never seen.”
McGregor is targeting a return to action in the summer and has earmarked a lightweight title shot upon his return.
He last competed in July at UFC 264 when he suffered a first-round TKO against Dustin Poirier via doctor stoppage after breaking his leg.
You can watch the interview below:
