Three possible matchups for Paddy ”The Baddy” Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett. Photo via Instagram (@theufcbaddy)

At last weekend’s UFC 282, Paddy ”The Baddy” Pimblett won a debated decision over Jared Gordon. Fighters, experts and fans criticized the decision, some even claiming that the promotion ”protected” their rising star from a loss.

UFC returns to London in March next year, and it’s not a far-fetched guess that Pimblett will be fighting on the card.

So, who will the UFC put in front of ”The Baddy” next time?

Clay Guida

Clay Guida. Photo: Jason Silva – USA TODAY Sports

A household name, and a beatable fighter, for Paddy Pimblett to further build his resume, and a chance for veteran Clay Guida to derail the young hype train.

This is actually a good fight to make for the promotion, as well as a fun fight for the fans.

Jim Miller

Jim Miller. Photo via Instagram (@jimmiller_155)

Veteran lightweight Jim Miller is another possible matchup, and would for sure be a good scalp for Paddy Pimblett.

The 39-year-old made his promotional debut back in 2008 and fought some of the best fighters ever in the lightweight division’s history. He’s currently riding a three-fight winning streak against Erick Gonzalez, Nikolas Motta and Donald Cerrone.

However, Miller is scheduled to face Gabriel Benítez on February 18, just one month prior to UFC 286 in London.

Dan Hooker

Dan Hooker. Photo: Jeff Bottari / Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports

No. 11 ranked lightweight Dan Hooker is a popular fighter and a possible matchup if the promotion decides to let Paddy Pimblett fight ranked opposition.

Hooker had a hard time lately, with only two wins in his six last fights, but bounced back with a victory against Claudio Puelles in November.

However, Hooker himself doesn’t believe that the promotion is willing to risk their cash cow against someone as tough as him.

“I think he’s a great guy. I like his persona, I like everything. Very aggressive, puts on entertaining fights, but let’s all be honest, he’s getting taken care of, you know what I mean? He’s not getting tough matchups just yet,” Hooker recently said to MacLife.

“I wouldn’t want to fight him. I like him. I don’t want to fight him and make him look silly. I don’t want to burst the bubble and that’s just being honest. I think that’s a bad move [to fight me]. Hand on my heart, I think I do whatever I want to that kid.”

This is Paddy Pimblett

Paddy Pimblett. Photo via Youtube (Paddy The Baddy)

• Age: 27
• Weight: 155 lbs (70 kg)
• Height: 5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
• Reach: 73 in (185 cm)
• Record: 20-3
• UFC record: 4-0
• UFC post-fight bonuses: 3

Read more: Paddy Pimblett wins razor-thin fight via debated decision: “That was not close”

Subscribe to Frontkick.online on YouTube for the best MMA videos in Scandinavia, and make sure to follow us on Twitter for the latest news and updates!