Paddy Pimblett reveals targeted UFC return date but needs dance partner

Regarding the potential date of his upcoming fight, Paddy Pimblett has generally been ambiguous. This changed on Friday when Pimblett (19-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), a pundit for Cage Warriors 144, was interviewed. But as of right now, he anticipates engaging in one more battle before the year is through.

In an interview he stated:

“I’m planning on fighting Dec. 10 … UFC 282,” Pimblett said. “I’m planning on fighting on that Dec. 10 (event). I’m just waiting for an opponent, lad. I’m just waiting for an opponent to step up and sign the dotted line. Everyone talks about ‘The Baddy.’ Everyone talks about fighting me. When the contract is in front of them, they’re not as confident.”

Numerous fighters have desired a chance to face one of the sport's emerging stars in recent months. Several people have pushed for the battle, including Terrance McKinney, Bobby Green, Ilia Topuria, Jared Gordon, Matt Frevola, and Jared Gordon. The pen hasn't touched the paper yet.

“I don’t think there’s anyone ducking me,” Pimblett said. “I don’t think anyone would duck me, because I don’t look very scary. My style, everyone looks at it, ‘I’ll beat him. I’ll beat him.’ I don’t think anyone would duck me, because I have the recognition, as you say, the following that they haven’t gotten. Everyone is going to try to beat me and steal the hype, but no one is going to do it.”

Pimblett, a native of Liverpool, has defeated all three of his opponents inside the octagon, defeating Luigi Vendramini and Rodrigo Vargas in the first round, respectively, and most recently submitting Jordan Leavitt at the UFC event in July in London. As a result, "The Baddy" earned Performance of the Night bonuses for each of his three victories and cemented his position as one of the most well-known major figures in the 155-pound weight class.

Pimblett was asked who, if anyone, he would pick to fight next after his name was plastered across MMA social media. But he's not one for callouts.

“I’m the star of the show,” Pimblett said. “I don’t need to talk about anybody.”

In Las Vegas, at the T-Mobile Arena, UFC 282 will take place. The main event is anticipated to be a rematch between current champion Jiri Prochazka and former champion Glover Teixeira at light heavyweight, however, the fight has not yet been scheduled.