Former Cage Warriors champion Paddy Pimblett signs with UFC

After years of wanting a shot at the UFC, Paddy Pimblett finally got it.

Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, recently signed a contract with the sport’s biggest organization. The news was announced by the UFC’s official European Twitter account on Monday afternoon.

Pimblett (16-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) is coming off a first-round rear-naked choke win over Davide Martinez at Cage Warriors 122 on March 20. He said he would sign with the UFC after the win.

“The Baddy” has been a notable name outside of the UFC for several years, as he’s a colorful figure and an accomplished fighter. Pimblett won the Cage Warriors 145-pounds title in 2016 and defended it once before losing it to Nad Narimani the following year.

Since losing the featherweight belt, Pimblett moved up to the lightweight division, where he’s competed four times, including a decision loss for the vacant lightweight title to Soren Bak. Pimblett is 3-1 in his last four performances.

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— Paddy Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy) March 29, 2021