It might have turned out to be different for UFC star Paddy Pimblett if he had not tasted the defeat early in his career.
Pimblett has continued to climb the lightweight ladder four years ago since the arrival in the UFC. He has so far remained unbeaten in the promotion through seven fights.
'The Baddy' has so far collected an impressive five performance bonuses, also in his two recent dominant displays against King Green and Michael Chandler. After closed the former home floor in 2024, Pimblett ran by Michael Chandler on UFC 314 last April and raised him to no. 8 in the ranking.
With that, the scouser has set his sights firmly for a title of crowning that he is predicted for himself for himself. But Pimblett's dedication to glory in MMA was not always that strong.
Paddy Pimblett considered 'Swering' MMA to be his first loss
In the weekend of UFC 205, where Conor McGregor Eddie Alvarez eliminated to become the very first two-division UFC champion, Pimblett defended his Cage Warriors Gold against Julian Erosa in London.
Speaking with MMA Junkie prior to that performance, the then prospect thought about his successful start of life in De Kooi.
At the time, Pimblett had won eight right since he lost his fifth fight in the sport. Although the result was a disappointment at the time, 'The Baddy' may not have stayed in MMA long enough to fulfill his potential if he had not suffered when he did.
“I left the university, went pro, but even when I became pro, I thought of the swinging of MMA because I didn't earn enough,” Pimblett said. “It made me depressed, and then I lost, and it put a fire under my ass.
“I wish I didn't have that loss, but at the same time it was the best thing ever happened to me.
“The moment I was kissing and in that fight I started to think that I had already won it. That showed me that you have never won a fight until you go there and get your hand.”
Paddy Pimblett claims to know how he can beat undefeated Ilia Topuria
To achieve his goal to become lightweight champion in the UFC, Pimblett may have to go through one of his most bitter rivals.
'The Baddy' has gone back and forth for years with Ilia Topuria, since an almost braawl among the couple in the Fighter Hotel for a UFC event in London.
That has set the stage for their future confrontation, and although everyone has so far fallen for the power of Topuria, Pimblett expects to be the exception.
“I know I would beat him,” Pimblett said during a conversation with Tom Aspinall.
“Funny because I am laughed at it. But I know I have defeated him. We have already talked about a game plan to beat him. And I know how I can beat him.
“Nobody goes for his weaknesses when they fight. Everyone just decides to have a boxing match with him. I don't go outside and have a boxing match with him,” Pimblett added. “I'm going to beat him with my all-round MMA game.
“Like I said, I know I had beaten him up. And I think I would really hurt him and keep everyone even more, as I like to do.”
A few results must take place before Pimblett gets the chance to prove those words correctly.
Firstly, Topuria will have to beat Oliveira on UFC 317 on 28 June to become a champion. Furthermore, 'The Baddy' is expected to be a win over a top-five lightweight competition to set up his claim for a first title shot.