UFC lightweight contender Paddy `The Baddy` Pimblett has openly declared a highly ambitious long-term objective: capturing championship gold in not one, but *two* separate weight divisions.
The Liverpudlian fighter, known for his charismatic personality and finishing instincts, outlined a future plan that extends beyond merely claiming the title in his current 155-pound weight class. According to reports paraphrasing his comments, Pimblett intends to first secure the lightweight title before making the strategic move up to the 170-pound welterweight category to challenge for a second belt.
This declaration places Pimblett squarely in a pantheon of elite fighters who have aspired to, or achieved, the coveted status of simultaneous or sequential two-division UFC champion. The list is exclusive, featuring names like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and others who have successfully navigated the physical and competitive challenges of conquering multiple weight classes. Achieving this feat requires not only exceptional skill and dedication within one`s natural weight class but also the physical adaptability and strategic acumen to compete effectively against larger, stronger opponents.
While acknowledging specific potential matchups at welterweight are of interest for the future – suggesting he has already given thought to potential opponents in the division above – Pimblett stressed that his immediate and primary focus remains solely on reaching the pinnacle of the lightweight division. This indicates a pragmatic approach, prioritizing the immediate challenge before looking to ascend further.
For `The Baddy,` who has rapidly risen through the UFC ranks on the back of compelling performances, setting such a lofty goal aligns with his burgeoning persona as a potential future face of the organization. It is a statement of extreme confidence, or perhaps delightful hubris, depending on one`s perspective. The path from promising contender to double champion is, of course, incredibly demanding, requiring consistent victories against increasingly difficult opposition and navigating the complex landscape of championship contention in two separate pools of elite fighters.
While the welterweight challenge remains a future endeavor contingent entirely on lightweight success, Pimblett`s announcement serves clear notice of his ultimate aspirations within the sport. The road ahead is long and arduous, demanding incremental progress one fight, and one division, at a time. But the target has been clearly defined: etch his name into UFC history as a multi-division king.
Rupert Hartwell