Former Cage Warriors featherweight champion Paddy Pimblett says he’s ready to step up to the big time with the UFC.
Pimblett needed just 97 seconds to finish Italy’s Davide Martinez in the lightweight co-main event of Cage Warriors 122 in London as the proud Liverpudlian delivered a statement performance, then approached one of the cageside cameras and delivered a message to UFC president Dana White and matchmaker Sean Shelby, telling them to give him a call and get him signed.
Pimblett looked relaxed and calm as he assessed the range and timing of his opponent in the opening seconds of the bout, then the Englishman exploded into life with a remarkable sequence of techniques that ended with a submission finish.
Pimblett connected with a big head kick, then followed up with punches as he backed Martinez up against the cage. He then launched into a flying knee and landed in the clinch, then followed up with a judo throw as he took his man down to the canvas. Once the fight was on the mat, Pimblett swiftly transitioned to Martinez’s back and locked up a rear-naked choke to force the tap at the 1:37 mark.
He is back! A quick flurry gets The Baddy the takedown and RNC for the win 🙌
Paddy Pimblett gets it done in one!
📺 Watch #CW122 live on @UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/6lfWEcRDjH
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) March 20, 2021
Before the fight, Pimblett declared that it would be his final bout for Cage Warriors and that he would end up being signed by the UFC. After his eighth submission victory, and the 12th inside-the-distance win of his career overall, Pimblett is clearly hoping his latest finish will finally see him get his shot on the world stage.
