Paddy ‘the baddy’ Pimblett returns to the octagon in December, when he will be fighting the American Jared Gordon at UFC 282.
In his last fight Pimblett’s won via submission over Jordan Leavitt in July. Gordon, who is primarily a striker, poses a different challenge to the southpaw Leavitt who held a significant submission threat on the ground.
Much has been said of Paddy’s striking, especially his tendency to fight with his chin up in the air. It will be interesting to see whether Gordon has the skills to expose this apparent flaw.
But what do we already know about the American?
He’s primarily a striker
Combat sports run through Gordon’s family. His late grandfather, Sal Ferello, was a professional boxer. Gordon trained in boxing and wrestling as a child, but as with all modern MMA fighters he has become a more rounded fighter and has now developed skills in other areas, such as BJJ. Prior to turning professional he taught Muay Thai and boxing. Despite his background in striking, Gordon doesn’t have a finish since 2017, when he knocked out Michel Quinones.
Struggles with addiction
Following an injury early in his career the American was prescribed Vicodin, an opioid painkiller, and soon became addicted. That progressed to stronger painkillers like OxyContin and Percocet’s.
The then featherweight continued to train and compete in MMA though soon his life took a down turn. He experienced homelessness, addiction to heroin had three overdoses, one of which almost proved deadly. Following another injury, and more problems with prescription medication, his third and final overdose in 2015 left him legally dead for two minutes.
“At this point, I just consider myself grateful and extremely lucky and blessed to be where I am.” Gordon told FOX Sports in 2017.
Mental health advocate
Similarly to Pimblett, Gordon has used his platform as a fighter to spread a positive message about mental health. Both fighters have recently lost close friends to suicide, with Pimblett paying respect to his friend in the post-fight interview after his fight with Jordan Leavitt.
After the fight Gordon called out Pimblett suggesting they “fight for the people out there struggling, and let them know they’re loved.”
He fought Charles Oliveira
In 2019, Gordon fought lightweight star Charles Oliveira, who held the lightweight title until October 22nd of this year. Gordon lost to the Brazilian from a brutal first round KO. There is no shame in losing to such a great fighter, it remains to be seen whether Pimblett can mix it with the elite of the lightweight division.
