People love to doubt Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett. It’s basically a sport at this point. Since he strutted into the Octagon back in 2021 with that unmistakable bowl cut and a chin that seems to attract more leather than a sofa factory, critics have been waiting for the wheels to fall off. Yet, here we are in January 2026, and the Scouser is still standing.
Honestly, it’s wild.
If you look at the Paddy Pimblett UFC record, you’ll see a perfect 7-0. He hasn't just been winning; he’s been collecting checks and climbing a lightweight division that many said would eat him alive. He’s currently ranked #5 in the world. Yeah, you read that right. Top five.
The Evolution of the Paddy Pimblett UFC Record
When Paddy signed with the UFC, he wasn't some unknown kid. He was a Cage Warriors champion. But the UFC is a different beast entirely. His debut against Luigi Vendramini in September 2021 was a microcosm of the Paddy experience: he got rocked early, looked like he was about to go to sleep, and then suddenly uncorked a left hook that ended the night.
That win set the tone.
He followed it up with back-to-back submissions in London against Rodrigo Vargas and Jordan Leavitt. The O2 Arena was basically vibrating. At that point, the "Paddy Power" was undeniable, but the "Jared Gordon incident" at UFC 282 almost derailed the hype train. Most fans—and let’s be real, most media members—thought Gordon won that fight. The judges gave it to Paddy. It was a 29-28 across the board that felt... off.
But a win is a win in the books.
Breaking into the Top Tier
Paddy didn't let the Gordon controversy slow him down. He took some time off, dealt with some nasty ankle surgery, and came back to retire Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. Some said Tony was washed, which, okay, maybe. But then came the turning point. UFC 304 in Manchester.
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Paddy walked into the cage against "King" Bobby Green. People expected a striking clinic from Green. Instead, Paddy caught him in a triangle choke so fast it made your head spin. He put Green to sleep in the first round.
Then came the Michael Chandler fight in April 2025. This was the one. The "test." Chandler is a human highlight reel, but Paddy showed a level of tactical maturity we hadn't seen. He finished Chandler in the third round with elbows and punches from the mount.
That moved his Paddy Pimblett UFC record to 7-0 and silenced about 90% of the haters.
Every Fight in the Octagon
To really get the scale of what he's done, you have to look at the names and the finishes. He isn't just a decision machine.
- UFC 314 (April 2025): Defeated Michael Chandler via TKO (Elbows and Punches) – Round 3.
- UFC 304 (July 2024): Defeated King Green via Technical Submission (Triangle Choke) – Round 1.
- UFC 296 (December 2023): Defeated Tony Ferguson via Unanimous Decision – Round 3.
- UFC 282 (December 2022): Defeated Jared Gordon via Unanimous Decision – Round 3.
- UFC Fight Night (July 2022): Defeated Jordan Leavitt via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 2.
- UFC Fight Night (March 2022): Defeated Rodrigo Vargas via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) – Round 1.
- UFC Fight Night (September 2021): Defeated Luigi Vendramini via KO (Punches) – Round 1.
He's earned five Performance of the Night bonuses in seven fights. That’s a 71% "bonus rate." Whether you like his personality or not, the man produces.
The Weight Cutting Drama
We can’t talk about Paddy without mentioning the "Baddy" between fights. The man loves his food. He famously balloons up to 200 lbs or more after a fight.
"I'd rather be fat and happy than ripped and miserable," he’s said more than once.
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Experts like Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier have expressed concern over the years about the strain this puts on his kidneys. Yet, somehow, he keeps making 155 lbs. He looks like a different human being on Friday mornings compared to Saturday nights. It's a dangerous game, and eventually, the body stops cooperating. But for now? The system works.
Why the World is Watching UFC 324
The Paddy Pimblett UFC record is about to face its ultimate test. Dana White recently confirmed that Paddy will face Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026.
This isn't just another fight. This is for the interim lightweight title.
Gaethje is the ultimate "gatekeeper" to the elite of the elite. If Paddy beats him, he’s likely fighting the winner of Topuria vs. whoever for the undisputed gold. If he loses, the "hype train" narrative comes roaring back.
Stats You Should Know
Paddy's striking defense is often cited as his biggest weakness. He holds his chin high. He stays in the pocket too long. Statistically, he absorbs about 3.14 significant strikes per minute. That's not terrible, but against a guy like Gaethje? It could be a short night.
On the flip side, his grappling is world-class. He’s a 2nd-degree black belt in BJJ.
If he gets your back, it’s over. Just ask Jordan Leavitt or Rodrigo Vargas. His transition from the triangle to the armbar against King Green was one of the slickest moves of 2024.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Paddy
People think he's just a "loudmouth from Liverpool." They think the UFC is feeding him "easy" fights.
Look at the Michael Chandler win again. Chandler is a former Bellator champ and a UFC title challenger. You don't "luck" your way into a TKO win over Michael Chandler. Paddy’s wrestling has improved leaps and bounds at Next Generation MMA Liverpool. He isn't just a submission guy anymore; he’s a rounded MMA athlete.
The "Jared Gordon" fight still sticks in people's craws, sure. But every great fighter has a "close one" they probably should have lost. GSP had Hendricks. Jon Jones had Reyes.
Final Thoughts and What’s Next
So, what does this mean for you, the fan or the bettor?
The Paddy Pimblett UFC record tells a story of a guy who thrives under pressure. He’s 7-0 in the promotion and 23-3 overall in his pro career. He hasn't lost a fight since 2018.
If you're following his career, keep a close eye on the UFC 324 weigh-ins. That’s always the first "fight" for Paddy. If he looks healthy and hydrated, he has a real shot at the title.
For those looking to understand the lightweight landscape:
- Watch the Gaethje fight on January 24th. It will define Paddy's legacy.
- Monitor the rankings. A win moves him into the top 3, potentially setting up a mega-fight with Islam Makhachev or Ilia Topuria.
- Check the betting lines. Paddy is often the underdog against top-tier talent, which has proven to be a mistake for bookies in his last few outings.
The Scouser isn't going anywhere. Whether you're rooting for him or waiting for him to fall, the Paddy Pimblett era is in full swing.