Chael Sonnen recently drew an intriguing comparison between Paddy Pimblett and heavyweight champion Jon Jones, especially highlighting Pimblett’s performance at UFC 304.
In that event, Pimblett secured a major victory with a first-round submission win over Bobby Green. This win not only marked a significant milestone in Pimblett’s career but also earned him a spot among the top-ranked lightweights. Sonnen took to his YouTube channel to discuss how Pimblett’s fight against Green reminded him of Jones’ approach to facing unconventional opponents.
Chael Sonnen Draws Parallels Between Jon Jones and Paddy Pimblett
“(Green) fights like a street fighter. He’s got his hands down, and you never know what he’s going to do. He’s talking to you! It’s like watching two guys outside a liquor store,” Sonnen remarked. “And Paddy handled it well. It’s tough because you can’t really train for something like that. Your teammates aren’t going to show up drunk and talking trash with their hands down.”
Sonnen continued to draw parallels between Pimblett’s performance and Jones’ ability to handle unique fighting styles:
“That’s a Jon Jones-like skill,” he said. “Jones is the best at facing fighters who present something unusual. He prepares by studying tape and devising a plan, rather than just relying on sparring partners. Paddy did the same thing here.”
What Next for Paddy Pimblett?
Pimblett’s impressive win has propelled him to the 15th spot in the lightweight rankings. Sonnen believes that Pimblett is now on a fast track to a title shot.
According to Sonnen, Pimblett might be just two fights away from a championship bout, provided he gets the right matchups. He suggested that Michael Chandler could be a fitting opponent for Pimblett’s next fight:
“Paddy is close—just two more fights, assuming they’re the right ones,” Sonnen explained. “And I’m not just talking about getting a fight signed by Dana White. I mean that the MMA community, including people like me, would be backing this matchup. If Michael Chandler doesn’t get the Conor McGregor fight, then fighting Pimblett seems like a great alternative.”
Paddy Pimblett continues to impress with a perfect record of 6-0 in the UFC, and with Sonnen’s endorsement, it looks like his path to a title shot is gaining momentum.
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