A fighter so new to the UFC that he has yet to make his debut is already calling Conor McGregor out. Paddy Pimblett will make his UFC debut on September 4, but he’s got his sights set on a bigger target.
He wants to fight Conor McGregor at one of Europe’s most iconic sporting venues: Anfield stadium. Pimblett spoke to Submission Radio ahead of his UFC debut to declare his assault on the UFC lightweight division and Conor McGregor’s “tarnished” legacy.
UFC Newcomer Pimblett Calls Out McGregor, Promises to Fill Anfield Stadium
“I’ll be honest, it’s the one who tarnished his own legacy [Conor McGregor]. An Irishman versus a Scouser.
I feel like that would be f*ckin rowdy. That would be next level. It would be ridiculous, to be honest.
[McGregor] is a money type of guy. And fighting at Anfield in front of like 60-70,000 people is where the money’s at. So, that’s why I could see that happening. But anyone. It doesn’t matter.
Like, I’m going to be that big of a star that you could f*cking put me in there against a hobo and I’d fill it out.”
Pimblett, a native of Liverpool, England (a “Scouser” in local parlance) was a Cage Warriors champion prior to signing with the UFC, and hopes to repeat the feat. On Conor McGregor’s once-fearsome reputation, he said:
“I still say to this day, lad, get me in there with Conor McGregor and I’ll submit him in two or three rounds.
If he wouldn’t have ever come back. If he would have retired after beating Eddie Alvarez you could probably have him in your top 10, you know what I mean? You probably could. But I don’t know where it happens now. Like, top 15, top 20, maybe?
Anfield stadium is the home ground of Pimblett’s local soccer team, Liverpool FC. Liverpool are one of the most successful franchises in European soccer, with a loyal following both in their home city and overseas. Paddy Pimblett counts himself proudly among those fans, often entering the ring wearing a Liverpool FC flag and even displaying the team’s logo on his fight shorts.
Conor McGregor is unlikely to fight an untested prospect anytime soon, but if Pimblett does as he promises and makes enough waves in the UFC he may attract the Irishman’s interest. The national rivalry between Ireland and England shows no signs of abating, and McGregor wouldn’t say no to the chance to sell out one of England’s most famous venues.
Do you want to see Conor and Paddy fighting at Anfield? Let us know in the comments.
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