Paddy Pimblett earned his third win of 2022 after beating Jared Gordon after an unanimous decision at UFC 282 in Las Vegas.
The 27-year-old from Huyton edged a close and battling co-main event, despite potentially breaking his foot with a kick in the first round, winning by 29-28 on all three of the judges' scorecards to add to wins back in March and July.
In the 34-year-old Gordon, Pimblett faced his most experienced opponent yet at UFC, and the big Liverpool FC fan could well have been on the other end of the result. Gordon often managed to sneak past Pimblett's low guard with left-hand shots, grappling his counterpart to the floor in the third as he looked for a late submission.
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Typically brazen, Pimblett said immediately after the fight: "That wasn't close, not at all. I won the first two rounds then coasted in the third, I knew for a fact I won."
Despite coming to Gordon's country for the bout, the vibrant and controversial Pimblett received an incredible reaction from the American fanbase, many of whom were donning wigs replicating his trademark hairstyle. Gordon was subject to some boos upon his entrance.
Pimblett is now unbeaten in four UFC fights, but heard the final horn for the first time at the T-Mobile Arena - proof that this was his most difficult bout to date. After three fights in nine months, 'The Baddy' admitted he is unsure when he will return again after that potential injury.
"We'll see. I'm not gonna lie, I hurt my right foot in the first round. I'll need that X-rayed," said Pimblett.
