Paddy Pibmlett has been called the ‘Jake Paul of the UFC’ by MMA star Drew Dober.
The lightweight is getting set to face Matt Frevola on the preliminary card of UFC 288, but he’s taken the time to have a dig at the Baddy.
The 34-year-old has continuously pushed for a fight with the popular Englishman, especially at the O2 Arena in London, but has consistently been turned down.
Advert
He’s yet to get his wish of facing off with Pimblett, however, that hasn’t stopped him from comparing to one of the most polarising figures in combat sports - Jake Paul.
It’s a name that many in the boxing and MMA worlds turn their noses up, often criticised for his level of competition and believed to be more of a novelty act.
It’s a pretty brutal comparison as Dober explains that Pimblett’s eating habits in between camps shows a sign of immaturity.
He told reporters, as per MMA Junkie: “Paddy’s name is great, it’s fun.
Advert
“I feel like he’s the Jake Paul of the UFC right now. He’s bringing in a lot of attention.
“But really, the opportunity that excites me the most is not his name. It’s that O2 Arena in London. Fighting in front of the English crowd would be so much fun.”
Despite the criticism, he believes the Brit has a high potential in the sport.
He said: “I think he has a lot of growing up to do. I made those mistakes in my early 20s as well, inside the octagon and outside the octagon.
Advert
“I think he’s going to mature well as long as he listens to good advice, but he definitely needs some time.
“So I feel like this injury works out better for him. Just as long as he trains and improves in the areas he needs to improve, and then he just keeps that social status, I think he’s gonna be a Conor McGregor-ish.”
It’s a fair comparison, especially as Pimblett considers himself as more than just a fighter.
He recently told Bleacher Report: “I haven't got a five-year plan and like that.
Advert
"I still always want to be a UFC champion. That's my goal. Even though it is very far away at the minute, I'm still planning on doing that.
“But I've always said I'm always going to be a businessman, and I think I'll be a lot of other things as well. I won't just be a fighter and a businessman. I'll be in films and stuff like that.
"I'm a fighter first and foremost, but I know fighting just opened a lot of other doors for me."
Sounds a lot like Paul and McGregor, to me.
Featured Image Credit: Associated Press / Alamy. PA Images / Alamy.Topics: Paddy Pimblett, UFC, MMA, Jake Paul