Paddy Pimblett Reveals Manchester United Legend Sent Him Message After UFC London Win, Wasn't Wayne Rooney

Liverpool superfan Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett has revealed Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand messaged him after Saturday's win at UFC London.

'The Baddy' choked out Rodrigo 'Kazula' Vargas in the first round of their lightweight clash last weekend and his star continues to rise.

A number of celebrities were quick to congratulate Pimblett and in his DMs was former United defender Ferdinand.

The 27-year-old told Daily Star Sport: "There's a few belters in there like Jeremy Piven wishing me good luck, but (Rio) Ferdinand has messaged me which is nice.

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"There's a few others in there but I'll have to have a proper look."

Pimblett has been seen at Liverpool games in the past and made a point of refusing questions from The Sun in pre-fight pressers.

The publication is boycotted on Merseyside due to their coverage of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

"You know what, just before we get started, if there's any reporters from The Sun in here, don't dare ask me a question," Pimblett stated.

"Don't put me in that rag of a newspaper. [I] just thought I'd get that in, yeah? End of."

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Pimblett's outgoing personality has captured the attention of fight fans worldwide, despite only debuting in UFC in September.

He beat Luigi Vendramini in his first fight before taking on Vargas, winning both with relative ease.

Wayne Rooney, who also played for Manchester United and is from Liverpool, was at the event and went backstage to meet Pimblett as well as Molly McCann.

'Meatball' was also on the UFC London card and knocked out Luana Carolina with a devastating spinning elbow.

Pimblett wasn't the main event but he was by far the biggest draw on the show.

The O2 Arena quickly sold out and he attracted lots of interest despite his position on the card.

While his influence is undeniable, Pimblett was only guaranteed $12,000 (£9000) - and a further $12,000 (£9000) win bonus.

He'd go on to claim both of those sums as well as a cool $50,000 (£38,000) post-fight bonus.

Outspoken YouTube star turned boxer Jake Paul used the news as a way to slam UFC president Dana White in their ongoing feud.

Paul has been vocal when it comes to fighter pay and tweeted: "Paddy Pimblett getting pimped. Who manages these guys?"

Topics: Paddy Pimblett, Rio Ferdinand, UFC, MMA, Wayne Rooney

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_