“You know what, he reminds me of Conor (McGregor),” UFC CEO Dana White said last year after Paddy Pimblett secured a thrilling triangle choke victory over veteran 155fer King Green in front of a roaring Manchester crowd at UFC 304. It wasn’t the first time White had sung the Liverpudlian’s praises. At 30, ‘The Baddy’ has drawn comparisons to McGregor not just for his charisma, but also for his career path. Back when he was just 21, Pimblett became the Cage Warriors featherweight champion — the same title once held by the Irish megastar.
Despite the hype surrounding him early on, Paddy Pimblett remained loyal to his journey. For the unversed, the Liverpudlian turned down two offers from the UFC before finally signing in 2021, choosing to develop on his terms. Since joining the world’s biggest MMA promotion, the Brit has maintained an undefeated streak within the UFC and currently boasts a professional record of 22-3. Ranked #12 in the lightweight division, he’s steadily climbed the ladder — but now, the real test begins!
Fans have been eager to see him take on top-tier competition, and that wish comes true this weekend at UFC 314. Paddy Pimblett steps into the Octagon to face #7-ranked contender and three-time Bellator champion Michael Chandler — a fight that could catapult him into the lightweight top 5. In the lead-up to this high-stakes bout, one particular comment set the MMA community buzzing. Flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson made a bold prediction on his YouTube channel: “I think one day he’ll be a champion.”
The quote, recently highlighted by ‘MMAFighting’ on Instagram, received mixed reactions. While some fans embraced ‘DJ’s confidence in Paddy Pimblett, others weren’t so convinced. Now, with the Chandler fight on the horizon, the Liverpudlian has gone a step further, claiming he will be fighting for the title by 2026. But is that truly within reach? Whatever the case, Demetrious Johnson’s prediction hasn’t won over everyone. Skeptical fans revealed their pushback in the Instagram comments. Let’s take a closer look!
Fans suspect “CTE” for Demetrious Johnson after his claim about Paddy Pimblett
Demetrious Johnson didn’t just suggest that Paddy Pimblett could one day be UFC lightweight champion—he went a step further, saying, “If he doesn’t, he’ll be like one of the guys who were really good but never were champions.” With that statement, ‘DJ’ essentially placed ‘The Baddy’ in the same conversation as respected names like Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje—fighters who earned legendary status despite never capturing undisputed gold.
But fans weren’t interested in the full context. Instead, they zeroed in on the bold championship prediction—and let’s just say, they’re not exactly sold on it. One fan summed up the general sentiment in the comments: “That’s a bold statement, not to take away from Paddy, just given the elite competition in the top 5.” Up to now, Paddy Pimblett’s UFC journey has included wins over the likes of Jared Gordon and a washed King Green. He also defeated a far-past-prime Tony Ferguson—a win that made waves, but as everyone knows, it wasn’t the same Ferguson who once terrorized the division.
Now, as Paddy Pimblett prepares for his first real test against a legitimate contender, fans believe the true evaluation of his potential begins. As one put it bluntly: “Zero chance” for ‘The Baddy’ to become the champion. But it’s not just the prediction that fans are doubting—they’re also questioning Demetrious Johnson himself. One fan expressed their internal conflict, commenting, “I’m conflicted rn because I have nothing but the utmost respect for DJ, but this is such an unbelievably crazy take.”
Paddy Ôthe baddyÕ Pimblett with post-event media during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Etihad Campus, SportCity, Manchester, England on the 27 July 2024. Copyright: xAndyxRowlandx PMI-6350-0003
Another fan touched on the darker side of the sport, commenting, “Safe to say CTE has begun?“—a nod to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), the brain condition linked to repeated head trauma. The implication was hard to ignore: could a condition like CTE already be affecting someone still hailed as the #2 greatest MMA fighter of all time, according to Tapology?
As for Pimblett’s chances in the division, another fan put it plainly: “Paddy doesn’t excel in one area well enough to be champ. He will be lucky to crack the top 5.” The lightweight division isn’t getting any easier either. It remains one of the deepest, most competitive weight classes in the UFC. Ilia Topuria, the current featherweight champ, plans to move up to 155lbs, and current lightweight king Islam Makhachev has already defended his belt four times—with alleged plans for him to move up to welterweight soon.
One fan explored that possibility, writing: “I can see Paddy being champ if Islam leaves the division. I don’t see Paddy beating Charles, but everyone else in the top 5 I can see him beating.” Another echoed the same idea, saying: “If Islam move up to welterweight maybe.” Even with that scenario in play, fans aren’t convinced Pimblett would get past Ilia Topuria. Pimblett has already said he wants the Georgian export as his first title defense, but whether that fight ever materializes remains a big question mark.
What’s your take on Paddy Pimblett’s future? Do you believe he’ll rise to the top and become UFC champion—or will he end up like Dustin Poirier, one of the most respected fighters to never claim undisputed gold? Drop your opinion below.
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