American fighter Joe Giannetti will take on Liverpool star Paddy Pimblett this Friday at Cage Warriors 111.
Despite the London card featuring three title fights, it is the main card opener that is attracting the most attention.
Pimblett has become the poster boy for the promotion in the past three years and will make his return to the cage after a 14-month absence due to injury.
He is taking no easy route back in, however, facing the former UFC man, Joe Giannetti on less than two weeks notice, after Belgian, Donovan Desmae was forced to pull out due to an injury himself.
We caught up with Giannetti to talk about his thoughts on the fight and Pimblett in particular.
“I see Paddy underestimating me and looking really shocked when I start picking him apart,” he told MerseySportLive.
“I know Paddy is a wicked, tough and confident guy but I think the louder they are the harder they fall.”
Cage Warriors 111 will be his debut for the promotion and one that he is excited for.
“It’s really cool to be fighting for Cage Warriors. They’re one of the best organisations on the planet! I’ve watched them for years. Now to be fighting for them is surreal.”
The support is likely going to be in full force for Pimblett as it always is, with notable events in Liverpool seeing him have thousands cheering his name but Giannetti says he isn’t intimidated.
“It honestly feels no different fighting in England rather than at home. I guess a couple more people will boo me than usual when I walk out, but that’s no biggie.”
Giannetti during a UFC interview pre-fight interview
The Massachusetts fighter lost a split decision at the TUF 27 Finale in the lightweight final in his only UFC appearance to date, but he told us a return isn’t his main priority right now.
“This win could get me back to the UFC or it could not. I haven’t put much stock into it. Paddy says this is going to get him back. I’m just going out there to have fun.”
The lightweight fight between Giannetti and Pimblett will take place at 9pm on Friday and will be available to watch with a UFC Fight Pass subscription.
The main event will see middleweight champion James Webb look to defend his title against Nathias Frederick II after their first fight ended in a drawback in July.
Similarly, Mads Burnell will face Steve Aimable for the featherweight title and Modestas Bukauskas takes on Riccardo Nosiglia in a light-heavyweight title fight.
Cage Warriors are known for putting on huge London shows with several champions competing and this Friday is no different, being one of their biggest of the year.
(Images courtesy of Joe Gianetti’s facebook)
