Paddy Pimblett two fights away from UFC title shot

Chael Sonnen has modified his tune on Paddy Pimblett’s potential.

From nothing greater than a fan-favorite identify to now a possible UFC champion, Sonnen’s outlook on the English star has modified dramatically following his newest win within the octagon. Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) picked up a vicious, first-round technical submission win over veteran Bobby Inexperienced on Saturday on the primary card of UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

“I used to consider that Paddy was a regional fighter,” Sonnen stated on “Good Man/Unhealthy Man” podcast. “What do I imply by that? He can promote a variety of tickets in a selected venue, so maintain bringing him to that geographic location. You possibly can’t most important occasion the man, you possibly can’t five-round him, you possibly can’t transfer him up the rankings too quick. However herald the correct opponent, and we’re going to have some enjoyable for 3 or 4 years. I don’t see Paddy that very same manner anymore.”

Pimblett is on an eight-fight profitable streak and has but to lose within the UFC. The previous Cage Warriors champion most just lately misplaced in 2018. Given his present run, Sonnen doesn’t suppose Pimblett is much from a title shot. In truth, he thinks the 30-year-old wants simply two extra wins.

“Paddy is 2 fights away – they’ve received to be the correct two fights – however he’s two fights away to preventing for a world championship,” Sonnen stated. “And I don’t simply imply that Dana (White) would signal the match. I imply that guys like (me) could be telling the (MMA) neighborhood, ‘That is the correct matchup.’ Look by means of the rankings and finally you’re going to come back to a man known as Michael Chandler. And if Michael Chandler doesn’t get the combat with Conor (McGregor), this, to me, seems to be like the right alternative.”

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