Featured Image Credit: Getty/UFC
Topics: Paddy Pimblett, UFC, Spotlight
Nasir Jabbar
Paddy Pimblett has not one but three strict rules his gym teammates must abide by at the famed Next Generation MMA in Liverpool.
Liverpool's premier MMA gym has been a hotbed for talent, including UFC superstar Pimblett who has made a big splash since joining the promotion from Cage Warriors.
Under the tutelage of coaches Paul Rimmer and Ellis Hampson, Pimblett has won seven straight fights inside the Octagon, beating the likes of Tony Ferguson and Michael Chandler.
Pimblett returns to action at UFC 324 on January 24 when he meets Justin Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title.
Advert
It's not just Pimblett flying the flag for Next Generation MMA as Luke Riley announced himself on the world stage following his stunning second-round victory over Bogdan Grad at UFC Qatar last month.
He showed off his handy work as he flattened Grad with a stinging left-hook before stopping him on the ground with a barrage of devastating punches.
Pimblett joined Rimmer and Hampson in Riley's corner for his UFC clash against Grad after helping him prepare for his promotional debut.
He hailed Pimblett's influence in his corner and the energy he exudes at Next Generation MMA.
Riley also revealed the three main rules Pimblett has enforced on his teammates given his status as the gym 'captain'.
"No vests, no white socks... no [Manchester] United t-shirts or sh*t like that. I'd say they're the main three [rules]," he told SPORTbible.
So, no vests or white socks at New Generation MMA, not to mention Man United clothing considering Pimblett's loyalties to his beloved Liverpool.
Pimblett not only helped Riley in the gym but also appeared to have a hand in helping his teammate pocket a cool $50,000 post-fight bonus.
The budding unbeaten fighter bagged a Performance of the Night bonus for his victory over Grad and reckons Pimblett had a word with UFC CBO Hunter Campbell given the amount of finishes that happened at UFC Qatar.
Asked about the viral clip of Campbell delivering the news to him that he had won a $50,000 bonus, Riley said: "Did I know beforehand, before the phone call? No, I didn't have a clue. Honestly, how many finishes on that night?
"There was some very, very good competition. People were telling me, 'look, you're gonna get it'. And then... I was backstage, not watching the fights, but people were telling me, 'there's been another knockout, there's been another knockout'.
"I was like, 'you're kidding me'. Only this is my luck. Where to get a knockout like that, the whole card was knockouts. I was a bit like, we'll see what happens. There was some very good knockouts, so they deserved it more than me, but when I got the call, I knew instantly. To get it from big boss Hunter. Not many people are getting that. It was an emotional one."
On whether Pimblett had a word with the UFC bigwig, Riley said: "Yeah, of course he did! Paddy probably said, 'Come on, it's his debut, first fight... he's done that'. Yeah, (Pimblett) probably did put a word in for me, so… nice one, Pad."
Riley, who has time on his side, isn't getting carried away with his statement win and is plotting a championship run in 2028.
Asked if he envisions fighting for the UFC featherweight belt in 2026, the 26-year-old replied: "No, 28, I think. I'm young, I'm taking my time, I want to build up gradually and I'm in no rush.
"There's been a lot of fighters who are being rushed a bit too quickly, so... I'm in no rush at all. Few fights in a year... 28, late 28-ish is what I've said."
On whether he could get fast-tracked to a UFC title shot, Riley said: "Yeah, sometimes it is, like you said, it is hard If I'm going in and knocking everybody out... how can they not give me the belt, but... Yeah, we'll see how it plays out. I'll be honest, I haven't really looked too far ahead in that sense. So, yeah, we'll see, we'll see what happens."