Paddy Pimblett Forced to Tap Out in His Own Gym as Undefeated Streak Ended

Paddy Pimblett has lost his unbeaten record in his gym after he was tapped out during a recent tournament just weeks before his UFC title fight.

On January 24, Liverpool's Pimblett will get his first chance at a UFC title as he faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.

The fight is undoubtedly the biggest of the 31-year-old's career, as the winner is almost certain to fight undisputed champion Ilia Topuria when he returns to the octagon later this year.

As always, there has been much discussion around Pimblett's preparations for the fight, with the popular star known for blowing up in weight between fights.

And now, just weeks before his fight with Gaethje, a video of Pimblett being forced to tap out during an annual competition in his gym has emerged online.

In British MMA there is perhaps no gym more famous than Next Generation MMA, with the likes of Pimblett, Molly McCann and Luke Riley all hailing from the Liverpool gym.

Each year, the gym hosts a ‘King of the Mat’, which sees everybody face off in a last-man-standing grappling tournament.

After a gruelling competition last year, Pimblett was declared joint-winner as he and training partner Matty Holmes canceled each other out in an hour-long final.

• If you want to see even more from SPORTbible, make us a preferred source on Google

But this year, Pimblett was unable to retain his status as champion as he was forced to tap out in the final matchup with Aaron Jordan.

The BJJ black belt cleverly caught Pimblett in a calf slicer that made him quickly tap, forfeiting the competition's cash prize and his title as champion.

Ahead of the match, Pimblett revealed that he wasn't feeling up to competing in the King of the Mat this year due to the brutal preparations for his title fight with Gaethje.

“I’m not gonna lie, I don’t know if I can be a—d tonight,” he admitted.

“I’ve gotta beat Justin Gaethje up in five weeks.

“I’ve sparred five rounds today, did pads before it, and did 10×3 on boxing pads.”

Thankfully, Pimblett didn't receive any injuries from the tournament and appears to be fit and ready for the biggest fight of his career in just over two weeks time.