The winning start to the UFC career of Paddy Pimblett continues as he wins a narrow decision over Jared Gordon at UFC 282.
A fight that might be controversial after the fact, but regardless of what people think it’s Paddy who walks away with the win on his record.
In a first round which played out almost solely on the feet, both men had moments of success. Paddy was landing hard and heavy shots as combinations, with a few good lands. For Jared, it was his left hook that just couldn’t miss. Landing it flush multiple times.
The second was similar to the first, but both men seemed to tighten up their defence. More grappling took place in this round, but once again neither man pulled away. Any advantage would be small.
The third round seemed a relatively clear one to score. As Gordon used grappling to success in the second he saw a path with the least resistance to take. Controlling via clinch in the cage Jared controlled almost the entire round with little offence coming back his way.
Not the show-stealing performance he or many others would have hoped for. Paddy Pimblett did prove a few things in this fight. One, he can take a shot clean. Two, he can go three rounds in the UFC. Finally, at 27, he can compete in the UFC against a 12-fight UFC veteran.
What’s Next?
Paddy Pimblett continues his undefeated start to his UFC career moving to 4-0 in the organisation. Taking out his most established opponent to date in the form of UFC veteran Jared Gordon.
With many questioning the quality of opposition this win was the perfect step up to prove Paddy’s quality. Now riding an impressive winning run. The questions will begin to pour in asking just “how good is The Baddy?”.
The next fight is the perfect time for Pimblett to take another step up in his slow ascent in the UFC so far. With four fights in the books, all won. An opponent who is either formerly top 15, or bound for a ranking would be ideal for Paddy next.
People forget that Paddy Pimblett is only 27, so rushing the Scouser to the top is of no priority as he still has many years at the top ahead of him.
Looking at potential matchups at lightweight here are a few names that could be interesting. Matt Frevola, Terrence McKinney, Claudio Pulles and Carlos Diego Ferreira all provide different but interesting challenges to the Liverpudlian.
A win marred with controversy Paddy will have something big to prove next time out.
Did you agree with the call?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
