Paddy Pimblett Believes He’s A Bigger Star Than Khamzat Chimaev: ‘Everyone’s Talking About Me’
UFC lightweight, Paddy Pimblett has claimed that despite competing just once under the promotion’s banner — he’s already a bigger star than the surging, undefeated welterweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev — who has landed inside the Octagon three more times than him.
Huyton native, Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, made his long-anticipated UFC bow back in September at UFC Vegas 36 to open the main card — stopping Luigi Vendramini with a late opening round knockout, rallying from some early-round adversity.
Off the back of the victory, Pimblett penned a lucrative deal to serve as a brand ambassador and content creator for the Dave Portnoy-founded media platform, Barstool Sports — and is expected to make his second UFC walk in March as he targets an Octagon return.
For Chimaev, the AllStars MMA staple currently occupies the #10 rank in the official welterweight pile — scoring four straight finishes in four Octagon walks since his organizational debut just last year in July on ‘Fight Island’
Debuting in Abu Dhabi, UAE — Chimaev, a former Brave CF contender stopped John Philips with a dominant D’Arce choke win before grounding out Rhys McKee just 10-days later in then record-setting fashion with a multitude of opening round ground strikes.
In September, Chimaev made his North American bow for the organization — stopping slick submission threat, Gerald Meerschaert with a one-punch, 17-second knockout win at UFC Vegas 11 last year.
Featuring on the main card of UFC 267 back in October — Chimaev’s ‘Fight Island’ fortunes continued to grow with a spectacular opening round display against Li Jingliang, which culminated with a rear-naked choke stoppage.
Paddy Pimblett believes he is already a bigger star in the UFC than Khamzat Chimaev
However, despite Chimaev’s activity output as well as the fact he’s already entered the welterweight top-10 inside four fights with the organization, Pimblett told Uncaged MMA recently that he was undeniably the bigger star out of the two.
“That’s a sh*t question, lad,” Paddy Pimblett said. “Everyone knows it’s me. I’ve had one fight, and everyone’s talking about me. He’s [Khamzat Chimaev] had f*cking what, four, five? It’s not the same, lad.“
