UFC 282’s co-main event saw growing MMA superstar Paddy Pimblett take on fellow lightweight Jared Gordon, in what turned out to be an extremely even matchup.
The bout included several promising moments from both fighters, Gordon especially who found consistent damage inflicted with his powerful left hook.
The duo were both left standing following the final bell, resulting in a controversial unanimous decision victory to be handed to Pimblett, whose record now stands at 20-3.
A large section of the MMA fanbase expressed their concern with the scorecards, with many claiming the decision had been made favourably towards the 27-year-old.
A number of professional fighters also made their voices heard regarding the result, including former dual-belt holder Henry Cejudo, current bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling and #5 ranked middleweight Derek Brunson:
All three judges from last night should bend the knee!🧎🏽♂️
Paddy The Fatty definitely lost, you were robbed @JFlashGordonMMA 🤦🏽
Watch my FULL LIVE reactions & analysis from UFC 282 HERE: https://t.co/oSPnI66oGu
📽️: @The_MDubb pic.twitter.com/uqQU5wk348
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) December 11, 2022
I felt Gordon won but TBF here, the @UFC doesn’t control the judging. The state commission picks and controls the judges in place. https://t.co/gjP1StcBuU
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) December 11, 2022
The refs on that discord chat . They know damn well my boy Paddy didn’t win that 😂😂😂 #UFC282
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) December 11, 2022
Given Pimblett’s rapid rise to stardom within the UFC, and his humorous ability to vocalise quotable opinions, many have drawn obvious comparisons with sport icon Conor McGregor.
The pairing have often shared words of praise for one another on social media, and many believe a bout between the two could one day be made in what would undoubtedly be a PPV record-breaker.
McGregor’s growth was meteoric, and there are definitely comparisons to be made given Pimblett’s trajectory, but some are struggling to see the Liverpudlian emulating the renowned journey of ‘The Notorious‘.
Current Bellator bantamweight champion and former UFC fighter Sergio Pettis gave his opinion on the matter over social media, and found the collation of the two career paths to be inapplicable.
The American said: “Well there will never be another @TheNotoriousMMA (Conor McGregor) rise. The skillset and mindset were complimentary to one another.
“Can’t just believe you are great, you have to deliver. And McGregor did just that. Changed the game and (it) can’t be duplicated. Many have tried.”
Well there will never be another @TheNotoriousMMA rise. The skillset and mindset were complimentary to one another. Can’t just believe you are great, you have to deliver. And Mcgregor did just that. Changed the game and it can’t be duplicated. Many have tried.
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) December 11, 2022
Some fans responded with open-minded claims that Pimblett had simply ‘had a bad night at the office’, to which Pettis was quick to respond to.
He said: “A lot of things to address from his (Pimblett’s) coaches and team. He has the star power to be up there just going to have to live in the gym for a bit and build up the skills more.
“I wouldn’t say a bad night in the office, just faced a tougher opponent. Gordon is a gamer and showed it.”
A lot of things to address from his coaches and team. He has the star power to be up there just going to have to live in the gym for a bit and build up the skills more. I wouldn’t say a bad night in the office just faced a tougher opponent. Gordon is a gamer and showed it.
— Sergio Pettis (@sergiopettis) December 11, 2022
‘The Baddy‘s next opponent is yet to be announced, although it’s assumed they will be a ranked fighter. Fellow lightweight prospect Terrance McKinney may also be another option, given his ongoing online spat with the 27-year-old.