Paddy Pimblett will face 10-1 UFC lightweight Jordan Leavitt when he returns to the cage at The O2 arena on July 23.
Pimblett, one of the hottest prospects in MMA at the moment, will take on Leavitt in what is a massive step-up in competition after two quick-fire wins since signing with the promotion last year. The Scouse fighter is one of the star attractions as the promotion returns to the UK for their second show of the year after a successful comeback event in March.
The fighter has stopped his two bouts in the promotion within a round, knocking out Luigi Vendramini last September before he submitted Rodrigo Vargas at The O2 in March during his sophomore octagon outing. He will now take a major step forward against Leavitt, who has won his last two in the promotion, and holds a record of 3-1 since winning his spot on the 2020 Contender Series.
"It’s that time again people," Pimblett wrote in an Instagram post announcing the fight. "Your boy is back to blow the roof off once again." Leavitt also took to social media to comment on the bout, adding: "Let the games begin. You've got to venture into enemy territory if you want to grow your empire. London will be mine."
The London card will see the returns of some major fan favourites in the UK including Darren Till and Tom Aspinall, who face Jack Hermansson and Curtis Blaydes respectively. Molly McCann, Paul Craig and Muhammad Mokaev will also feature on the stacked event, which is expected to be another heated night at the famous venue.
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Pimblett's toughest test going into the event will be losing around 50lb to make the lightweight limit after ballooning following his win over Vargas. It took him just a matter of weeks to gain over three-stone as he gorged on junk food, declaring that he would rather be "fat and happy" than ripped all year round.
The lightweight fighter got up to light heavyweight after stocking up his fridge with doughnuts and cheesecakes whilst also binging on crisps and easter eggs following his win in the English capital. "I'd rather be fat and happy than ripped," he told reporters at the last event after munching a whole pizza during his press conference.
"These people who are ripped all year round are not happy, I don't care what they say. This six-pack is sound, I look great but I'd rather be fat and happy."
