While Paddy Pimblett is confident of a triumphant homecoming at UFC 304, a British MMA icon is concerned that ‘The Baddy’ may have bitten off more than he can chew.
On July 27, at the Co-op Arena in Manchester, UK, the Liverpudlian phenom will go head-to-head with Bobby Green, in a collision that looks bound to create fireworks.
Leon Edwards favors Bobby Green over Paddy Pimblett
After a historic run in Cage Warriors, Paddy Pimblett finally signed with the UFC in 2021, embarking on an epic journey to global superstardom, with the blonde-haired sensation capturing the attention of fans around the globe.
Submission wins over Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt proved the Brit had the potential to compete with the big boys, earning him a shot at Jared Gordon. Alas, while the Scouser received the verdict that night, it wasn’t without controversy, with the MMA community expressing disgust at the decision.
Therefore, despite bouncing back in impressive fashion against Tony Ferguson, his performance that night wasn’t enough to convince Leon Edwards that he’ll emerge the winner when he takes to the cage next month.
In an interview with UFC interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, the reigning 170-pound King, explained: “If Bobby Green shows up, I’ll probably favor Bobby Green – if he shows up.”
“Bobby Green is one of these guys that sometimes shows up, sometimes he doesn’t show up, but it should be good.”
However, while Edwards is confident that the American has the minerals to get the job done, he isn’t writing off his countryman.
He added: “I can also see a way for victory for Paddy as well; taking him to the ground, grinding him out a little bit and then go for a submission.”
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While taking place in the early hours of the morning in the UK, UFC 304 is set to feature a plethora of interesting fights for fans to get their teeth sunk into.
With Edwards and Aspinall set to defend their straps against Belal Muhammad and Curtis Blayes, respectively, and, of course, Pimblett making his eagerly-anticipated return, the card has more than enough to get MMA enthusiasts excited.
And should the Liverpool man get his hand raised against Green, there’s only one opponent the world wants to see him in the cage with next.
Jared Gordon wants his revenge over Paddy Pimblett
With a fire still raging inside of him, Gordon would love nothing more than to get his shot at redemption against the man who holds such a contested win over his head.
However, he’s not overly convinced that the UFC will put together the rematch the world so desperately craves.
He explained: “All of his other opponents, he destroyed them. So, what does that say about where I’m at?
“I’m not trying to pat myself on the back, but I think they want to stay away from that fight, me vs Paddy, because they saw what I did in the first one.”
“I think it would be awesome to fight Paddy in like a co-main or a main event in London or in Vegas again.”
Regardless, before Pimblett can even think of a second bout with his nemesis, he’ll have to dispatch Green in front of his raucous British fanbase.
And having shared the cage with both men, Gordon is in the perfect position to make his pick, recently giving a fascinating insight into which fighter he believes will walk away with their hand raised.
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