UFC star Paddy Pimblett is quickly approaching fighting form ahead of his expected return to the Octagon in 2025.
Paddy Pimblett is known for his significant weight gain between fight camps, which has been heavily criticized by many fans, pundits and fellow fighters. One thing cannot be questioned, however: Pimblett's stamina and ability to quickly get into fighting shape, as he demonstrated at an annual wrestling match in Liverpool.
Pimblett, who presented King Green in a signature performance at UFC 304, is known for having some of the most nasty wrestling in the lightweight division. Pimblett has shown that when opponents choose to take him down, he is dangerous and has sunk into numerous crafty submissions throughout his MMA career.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Every year during his martial arts career, Pimblett and his team hold a unique wrestling match at his Liverpool gym called 'King of the Mat'. Ahead of the holidays, Pimblett took to the mat in this year's competition, taking on one of the most creative wrestling talents in the world, Matty Holmes.
It was a battle royale of sorts at Next Generation MMA Liverpool as Pimblett and Holmes rolled into the gym in front of an intrigued crowd. Pimblett has dominated the mats in previous KOTM competitions, but this year was very different.
Despite Pimblett and Holmes' ability to get entries, neither athlete gave in to the other's attacks, and the competition was eventually stopped after about an hour of scrambling.
Paddy Pimblett first played a match during 'King of the Mat' reign
Next Generation MMA Liverpool shared the result of the wrestling marathon on their Instagram page.
“Another fantastic king of the mat. After 2 1/2 hours of non-stop rolling we decided to jointly award the victory to [Paddy Pimblett] And [Matty Holmes] together. Both are so high-minded that they end up canceling each other out for over an hour straight. Well done guys,” the gym said.
Pimblett has been training at Next Generation MMA since the age of 15, inspired by the legendary clash between Rich Franklin and Vitor Belfort at UFC 103. Nearly 15 years after he first entered the gym, Pimblett has quickly become one of MMA's biggest stars. is rising the UFC ranks.
Holmes, Pimblett's wrestling opponent in this year's gymnastics competition, is an experienced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu standout. He has made multiple appearances at Polaris competitions and recently went on a three-match winning streak in professional wrestling at Grapple Fest.
Holmes last appeared professionally on the mats last year at Polaris 24, falling to Jason Rau via armbar in the first round. At the time of writing, the return of Holmes' entry has not yet been determined.
While it is uncertain who Pimblett will face next in the UFC Octagon, he has potential new blood waiting in the wings. UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who has a checkered history with Pimblett, recently announced his intention to move up to lightweight as he battles for two-weight championship status.
Paddy Pimblett heads into 2025 knocking on the door of the UFC title fight
While Pimblett waits for his next UFC assignment, he is enjoying some time away from combat sports and his questionable dietary habits. He will likely return at the upcoming UFC event in London on March 22 at The 02 Arena, although an opponent for his next fight has not yet been announced.
It didn't take long for Pimblett to make waves among fans during his UFC tenure. After a wild debut against Luigi Vendramini, Pimblett has recorded recent victories against the likes of Tony Ferguson, Jared Gordon and Jordan Leavitt.
It could be days before we get more clarity on Pimblett's return to the Octagon in 2025. For now, he continues to put his impressive wrestling toolbox on display, which could cause headaches for his emerging rivals.
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