One could be forgiven for expecting Jordan Leavitt to be a little intimidated ahead of UFC London. He’s set as the next opponent for rising UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett, an undefeated prospect with undeniable star power, but Leavitt reminded Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that he loves walking into enemy territory, and he’ll be the one to take the shine off Paddy the Baddy.
“One-hundred percent, If I was trying to push Paddy Pimblett, who I think is talented and I like him, fan of him — you know, sorry, I’m going to beat you — but if I watched this kid get chinned by two guys who were not the best, almost lose, and then kind of take victory from the jaws of defeat, I would want him to fight a guy who doesn’t like to power punch.
Leavitt on Paddy The Baddy:” He’s the Golden Boy, but I’m the platinum boy”
And if you watch my fights, it just seems like I don’t like to punch very hard to the head, and it would give Paddy a lot of chances to make up for a lot of technical weaknesses. But I think I’m not too worried about it.
I think I’ve fought better strikers and I’ve fought better grapplers. I just haven’t fought Paddy Pimblett and he hasn’t fought me. And yeah, I think this is going to be a little bit of egg on people’s faces when the fight comes, I think I’m going to handily beat him.
If you take away all the flash and social media, which I don’t really take a part of, I don’t think there’s too much to worry about.
I feel like if I just focus on the fight and I don’t let the crowd get to me, I think I have no worries. I’m very excited. No concerns whatsoever. I think he has to get lucky.”
Leavitt has amassed a 3-1 UFC record, and his post-fight celebrations rival that of even Paddy Pimblett. Leavitt’s post-fight twerking and dancing is a huge part of his appeal, but it might earn him some enemies in London this July.
“I’m pretty sure if I win the way I want, I might get in trouble for what I’m going to do. But we’re going to see, we’re going to see.
Luckily I have good head movement so when they start throwing things at me, I’ll be bobbing and weaving and dodging the beer cans. But yeah, I am excited to cause a riot. I think it’ll be a lot of fun.
He’s the golden boy, but I’m the platinum boy. I think I’m going to prove it on July 23.” Will Leavitt be the one to derail the Baddy’s hype train? Let us know in the comments.
