It seems that UFC boss Dana White might have jumped the gun on announcing a March scrap pitting Paddy Pimblett vs Jared Gordon.
In a Tuesday conversation with Barstool Sports head honcho Dave Portnoy, the UFC president revealed plans for the matchup between the fast-rising English star and the New Yorker. The site has a working relationship with Pimblett (17-3) after being signed to a brand ambassador deal last year. Portnoy alluded to “The Baddy” expecting to compete on a March 19 Fight Night card in London. White expanded on that news by adding the expected opponent.
Dana White announces Paddy Pimblett vs Jared Gordon for March
“No, it hasn’t,” White said regarding an official announcement on an opponent. “Jared Gordon’s probably gonna be his [opponent].”
The booking with Gordon (18-4) makes a lot of sense since he is an action fighter willing to engage with a talented striker like Pimblett. Furthermore, following his October win over Joe Solecki, “Flash” actually called for a bout with the former Cage Warriors champion.
My man Paddy said he wasn’t going to call anybody out but he had my name in his mouth before his debut. Nothing malicious, I like the guy but I beat his teammate Chris Fishgold and he wanted to get that one back so come and get it,” Gordon said. “I’ll go 2-0 against the team. I’ll be the Cage Warrior official champion.
Pimblett and Gordon’s managers pump the brakes on the fight news
As sensible as that booking is, the managers for both fighters have since let fans know they need to pump their breaks. As both sides denied that the matchup was anywhere near being finalized. First, Pimblett’s handler Graham Boylan took to his Twitter and responded to a video post of the news by saying, “We haven’t agreed on this and still discussing opponents.”
We have heard nothing on our end. @JFlashGordonMMA
— Brian Butler-Au (@BrianButler_Au) January 18, 2022
That was then followed by Gordon’s manager at Sucker Punch, Brian Butler-Au, when he added via his own Twitter, “We have heard nothing on our end.”
A booking between Pimblett and Gordon is still likely to happen. It makes too much sense. However, it is interesting that White would jump the gun on a deal, not near the finish line. But then again, the UFC has all the leverage in these sorts of situations and from their point of view, the booking is likely an eventuality.
Liverpool’s Pimblett made his promotional debut with a first-round technical knockout win in Sept., following a memorable 14-fight run as one of Cage Warrior’s biggest stars to date. Gordon is on a hot streak having won three straight in the Octagon. It’s his longest win streak as a member of the UFC roster.
Who is your pick for Pimblett vs Gordon when it does get finalized?
