Big Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett takes on Michael Chandler in Miami this month
Ahead of a contest he hopes will give him a title shot, he takes a trip to Anfield
By DAVID KENT
Published: 15:34 EDT, 2 April 2025 | Updated: 15:34 EDT, 2 April 2025
Paddy Pimblett took a break for training for this month's huge UFC fight against Michael Chandler to visit his beloved Liverpool as they faced Everton in the Merseyside derby.
Scouser Pimblett faces the biggest fight of his career on April 12 when he takes on former UFC lightweight title challenger Chandler in a massive five-round co-main event clash at UFC 314 in Miami.
The 30-year-old, who is looking to extend his UFC winning run to seven, has been putting himself through a tough fight camp as he aims to secure a UFC title shot with victory over Chandler.
'The plan is to beat Michael Chandler, then fight again in Abu Dhabi in October,' the former Cage Warriors fighter told TNT Sports.
'Hopefully I get to fight someone in the top four, top five, and then I can ask for a title shot in 2026.'
But he allowed himself the treat of a visit to Anfield where he was presented with a special personalised shirt by the club bearing his nickname 'Paddy the Baddy' and numbered 314.
Paddy Pimblett shows off a personalised shirt on his visit to Anfield for the Merseyside derby
The unbeaten Scouser is aiming to have a shot at the UFC lightweight title next year
Pimblett will take on Michael Chandler in UFC 314 on April 12 in the biggest fight of his career
Pimblett — worth an estimated £4million — is such a big fan of Liverpool that revealed earlier this year that he would trade his entire career to play for the Reds.
Speaking to the Blood Red: Liverpool FC podcast about the prospect of local lad Trent Alexander Arnold leaving Anfield for Real Madrid, Pimblett said: 'I think Trent has already gone. He's already packed his bag, lad. He's off to Spain, so let him go.
'I don't understand it. The best team we've ever had, the best period we've ever had. We're going to win trophies. I'd trade my career tomorrow to be him.'
While Pimblett will never turn out for the Premier League leaders, he was at least afforded the honour of receiving a special replica shirt from the club he so adores.
Should 'The Baddy' fulfill his career ambition of becoming UFC champion, it's hard to say whether his title belt or special shirt will mean more to Pimblett.
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