Paddy Pimblett has discussed his UFC 282 matchup against Jared Gordon being promoted to the co-main event.
Jiri Prochazka’s severe shoulder injury forced him to withdraw from UFC 282 and shockingly vacate the light heavyweight title. Consequently, Magomed Ankalaev vs. Jan Blachowicz was moved to the main event with the 205-pound title on the line. Pimblett vs. Gordon was then bumped up to the co-main event. During a quick interview on the UFC Europe Twitter account, ‘The Baddy’ had this to say about having his fight moved up:
“I was the people’s main event anyway, know what I mean? Obviously, being co-main event, it’s a privilege. So, can’t wait to put a show on for everyone, lad. I know a lot of people are there only to watch me. I’m the main attraction. It’s that simple. Even when I was just a featured bout. Now I’m the co-main, I am the main attraction. I feel sorry for half the other people on the card cause all the attentions gonna be on me. What can I say?…”
Pimblett continued by saying:
“Since my debut in September ’21, this’ll be my fourth fight in fifteen months. Going for the hat trick this year. So, yeah, it’s gonna be more spectacular than the last. I always try to make it better. Better than the last one. Vargas was decent, Leavitt was decent, but I’m gonna make a statement this time.”
Pimblett is looking for his third win in 2022 on December 10. ‘The Baddy’ made his UFC debut in September 2020 and has won all four fights with the promotion inside the distance. The Liverpool native is now matched up against Gordon, an underrated veteran who has won four of his last five fights.
"The People's Main Event!"
Paddy Pimblett looking to steal the spotlight at #UFC282 next week! pic.twitter.com/gJd6nPOkG1
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) November 29, 2022
Paddy Pimblett predicts a first-round finish against Jared Gordon at UFC 282
Paddy Pimblett has never lacked confidence. The 27-year-old hasn’t lost since September 2018, with his last five fights being wins inside the distance. During the same interview with the UFC, ‘The Baddy’ predicted another finish will come at UFC 282 by saying:
“People are still calling me a hype train. Still saying I’m this. Still saying I’m that. People won’t be saying that after this one when I finish Jared Gordon in the first round. Everyone knows what to expect. I’m gonna come in, dance me way in, and then change as soon as the cage door shuts and turn into an animal. Vegas is where I get me knockouts. Know what I mean? I got a knockout in my debut in Vegas, and I’m gonna get another knockout in Vegas and blow the absolute roof off the gaff.”
Pimblett had a lot of hype when he signed with the UFC, which he has lived up to. That said, ‘The Baddy’ still has plenty to prove before being considered a future lightweight title contender. A dominant win against a veteran like Gordon would be a massive step in the right direction.
