Paddy 'The Baddy' Pimblett is joining UFC.
One of Cage Warriors' biggest names is crossing over - and is already aiming high.
The 26-year-old former CWFC featherweight champion said: "I got the phone call on Monday. I know where I'm destined to be and I know where the end goal is. I'm going to achieve things other people haven't.
"When we do end up getting crowds back I will fill Anfield out. We will be doing Anfield - 100%. It goes without saying, Anfield's getting done. One July it's happening, I promise you!"
A huge Liverpool supporter, Paddy added: "I was thinking about it last time I was in there when we got beat by Atletico Madrid. I could imagine the Octagon in the middle and people going bananas.
"I wasn't ready at 21 or 23. But I am now. I've had a big smile on my face all week."
A date and opponent for Paddy's UFC debut has still to be made.
But he leaves Cage Warriors with best wishes.
“He has been our poster boy for years but now it’s his time to go to the UFC and show them what he can do, and I, with the rest of the Cage Warriors team, wish him the best of luck,” Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan said in a statement.
Pimblett (16-3) is likely to compete at lightweight, having lost his featherweight title to Nad Narimani back in 2017.
He has competed at 155lbs ever since but suggests he may surprise UFC fans.
"I feel like I've grown up. I am more mature, working with a new coach and eating better, more scientifically.," he added.
"I don't even know what my weight will be, I could even be a massive 145!"
Pimblett is coming off a 97-second finish of Davide Martinez at Cage Warriors 122. He holds a win over current UFC fighter Julian Erosa and his only stoppage loss came against Cameron Else in his fifth professional fight.
