"I told him in years to come you’ll be announcing my name" - Paddy Pimblett posts throwback photo with Bruce Buffer from 11 years ago
Paddy Pimblett just posted a photo from 11 years ago featuring him and UFC announcer Bruce Buffer.
In the caption of the photo, 'The Baddy' revealed that he met Buffer during a UFC event in Birmingham. During their brief encounter, the 27-year-old told Buffer that one day, he would be announcing Pimblett's name in Las Vegas:
"11 years ago this week I met Bruce Buffer in Birmingham after the UFC and I told him in years to come you’ll be announcing my name in vegas… and in 5 weeks he will UFC 282 when I blow the roof of the gaff once again!"
Pimblett's words to Buffer will presumably come true on December 10 as 'The Baddy' will compete at UFC 282 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The 27-year-old will take on Jared Gordon in a three-round bout.
The card will be headlined by a light heavyweight title fight rematch between Jiri Prochazka and Glover Teixeira. The two engaged in a thrilling back-and-forth war at UFC 275 earlier this year. Prochazka pulled off a submission victory in the last minute of the five-round fight.
The card will also feature Raul Rosas Jr.'s UFC debut as he will take on Jay Perrin in a bantamweight scrap.
Other exciting matchups that will take place on the UFC 282 fight card include Jan Blachowicz vs. Magomed Ankalaev, Bryce Mitchell vs. Ilia Topuria, Robbie Lawler vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio, Alexander Gustafsson vs. Ovince Saint Preux and Darren Till vs. Dricus Du Plessis.
Paddy Pimblett's run in the UFC
Despite just three fights in the UFC, Paddy Pimblett has gained immense popularity among the MMA masses.
The 27-year-old made his debut in the promotion in September 2021 and took on Luigi Vendramini. 'The Baddy' got rocked early in the fight but managed to recover and score a TKO victory in the first round.
Pimblett's next UFC appearance took place in London. 'The Baddy' went toe-to-toe with Rodrigo Vargas and submitted him with a rear-naked choke in the opening round.
For his third outing, Paddy Pimblett took on Jordan Leavitt, who was considered a significant jump-up in competition for 'The Baddy'. The 27-year-old once again proved his mettle by finishing Leavitt in the second round with a rear-naked choke.
The Liverpudlian earned a 'Performance of the Night' bonus for all three fights. If Paddy Pimblett keeps on performing like this, it won't be long before he becomes one of the biggest stars in the sport.