5 reasons why Paddy Pimblett should rematch Jared Gordon in 2023

Paddy Pimblett is the UFC's latest prospect. The former Cage Warriors champion commands a rabid fanbase that follows him wherever he goes. Dana White and UFC upper management are hopeful that 'The Baddy' can become the promotion's new superstar.

Unfortunately, superstardom often entails more than simply having a strong connection with the fans. Paddy Pimblett must demonstrate the ability to ascend to the top of the lightweight division.

If he fails to convince the fans to regard him as an elite fighter, his ability to draw PPV buys will surely suffer. Thus, to salvage the damage dealt to his reputation by his controversial win against Jared Gordon at UFC 282, as well as his behavior after the bout, he must face 'Flash' in a rematch this year.

#5. Paddy Pimblett and Jared Gordon have a history

The two men have a history with each other. Prior to their initial bout at UFC 282, Paddy Pimblett claimed to have once sparred with Jared Gordon. While 'Flash' corroborates this encounter, the two disagree on how their training session transpired.

Pimblett claims to have gotten the better of Gordon. Meanwhile, the 34-year-old disputes this. Furthermore, the nature of their clash last year was controversial. Many observers felt that Gordon was robbed. Both fighters, however, believed that they were the rightful winners.

🚨| Paddy Pimblett has revealed that he rolled with Jared Gordon in 2018 at the Blue Basement in the Renzo Gracie Academy.

Paddy Pimblett claims he submitted Gordon twice in 5 minutes, once by guillotine choke and once by triangle choke.😳

[per @btsportufc]

#UFC282 #UFC #MMA https://t.co/dT6NvmO5em

This is enough material for the UFC to promote a rematch between the two 155'ers. The shared past and the controversial nature of their previous bout will be very marketable.

#4. There are unanswered questions about Paddy Pimblett's ceiling

Paddy Pimblett is being treated as a prospect, but he isn't exactly new to MMA, nor is he especially young. He is 28 years old and not in a position where he can be slowly pushed up the rankings. He'll be 30 years old in two years, and fighters don't typically last very long in the lightweight division.

“Paddy isn’t top ten material in the UFC”

PFL featherweight champion Brendan Loughnane gives his thoughts on Paddy Pimblett’s win at UFC 282

Watch the full interview here: youtu.be/w4PhTj4z2RA https://t.co/YBTeoWvwTV

Furthermore, he is already a veteran of 23 fights and a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion. He should be far higher up the rankings, given his age and experience. However, his contentious win against Jared Gordon seems to have revealed that 'The Baddy' can barely contend with even unranked 155'ers.

Gordon is a good fighter, but even he sits outside the top 15 lightweights in the UFC. If Pimblett can't even beat him convincingly, is he an asset worth the promotional effort that the UFC is undertaking to market him? Only 'The Baddy's performance in a rematch can definitively answer that question.

#3. Jared Gordon is a safe option for Paddy Pimblett

While many are of the opinion that Jared Gordon defeated Paddy Pimblett, 'The Baddy' did enough in the eyes of the judges to deserve the win. If the former Cage Warriors champion can be trained to shrug off his poor habits, he might perform better and earn a more convincing win.

Two of Pimblett's worst habits revolve around his footwork and defensive striking. His movement is entirely linear, so he only moves forward and backward in a straight line. There is no lateral movement or pivoting off of angles to speak of. Furthermore, he often keeps his chin elevated and hyper exposed.

Paddy Pimblett opens as a favourite in a potential rematch with Jared Gordon:

Paddy Pimblett -140 (5/7)
Jared Gordon +120 (6/5)

(odds via @betonline_ag) 👀 https://t.co/ImA4S7Jkmv

Without his rear hand tucked to his chin or his lead shoulder raised as a partial shield, he's always at risk of being flattened by a check-hook. But as Pimblett has had the fortune of not facing anyone with true knockout power, he is yet to pay for these mistakes.

If his coaches manage to iron out these poor habits, his new approach to fighting will have to be tested against a safe opponent that he is familiar with. Jared Gordon fits that bill perfectly. Furthermore, a convincing win will reignite 'The Baddy's confidence.

#2. There are no other opponents who aren't high-risk for the Liverpudlian

The unfortunate part of Paddy Pimblett's high-profile status in the UFC is that he must fight progressively better opponents to keep the hype surrounding his name.

Is Terrance McKinney vs Paddy Pimblett the fight to make now? Or is it too early? 🤔

Source, The MMA Hour: youtube.com/watch?v=hcSgC6… https://t.co/qDTppPYS6Y

Fighting Jared Gordon in a rematch is a great opportunity for him to extend his win streak in the UFC; it'll also silence his critics if he winds up winning. Any other opponent at this stage in his career would be too risky. Terrance McKinney and Ilia Topuria come to mind, both of whom are extremely dangerous matchups from a stylistic standpoint.

'The Baddy's poor habit of overexposing his chin wouldn't bode well in bouts with foes who possess great punching power. Even Tony Ferguson, who is also unranked, would be a dangerous matchup. The former Cage Warriors champion isn't a superior BJJ grappler, nor is he a superior striker than 'El Cucuy'.

#1. The matchup won't force a spotlight on Paddy Pimblett when it's the last thing he needs

Paddy Pimblett doesn't need scrutiny right now. The 28-year-old is in the most difficult position he's ever been in when it comes to his UFC career. While he is yet to officially lose in the promotion, many hold that he did indeed lose his bout to Jared Gordon.

Jared Gordon wants a rematch with Paddy Pimblett in london 😤

🔗sportskeeda.com/mma/news-losin…

#UFC #MMA | @ufc https://t.co/dmscSx3sSg

Fans are now eager to see him lose, with many branding him a fraud. The pressure is higher now than it's ever been. He can't be placed in a matchup with an elite opponent, as this could lead to dire consequences.

The bout should be neither a co-main event nor a main event. This will allow him to fly somewhat under the radar, which would be otherwise impossible were he to face a ranked opponent. If the spotlight is on him and he loses, it'd be hard to come back for the Scouser.