The rivalry between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker has intensified dramatically, fueled by personal insults and social media confrontations. As two prominent lightweights competing in the same division, their conflict reached a new low when Pimblett, also known as ‘The Baddy,’ made a disrespectful remark involving Hooker’s grappling skills and the New Zealander’s mother during an MMA Guru interview. This provocation sparked a fiery response from Hooker, who did not hold back in his rebuttal, turning the dispute highly public and personal.
Sharing a video of their previous exchange on X, Hooker stated,
Ain’t said s— when we were face-to-face b—. I thought we were mates but you’re not a very good mate are you.
This was followed by a sensitive comment about Pimblett’s late teammate who passed away in 2022. Not stopping there, Hooker escalated the situation by daring Pimblett to meet him in his hometown with the warning,
It’s on site you fat b—,
signaling a potential physical confrontation in Liverpool. This challenge immediately provoked a strong reaction from the Liverpudlian fighter.
Paddy Pimblett Issues a Tough Warning for Dan Hooker Regarding Liverpool
Pimblett responded with a blunt message directed at Hooker, warning him to avoid Liverpool or face serious consequences. Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, he expressed a protective stance over his home city, stating,
F—k him. I’ve had people from Liverpool asking if he’s coming this week because they were going to batter him. So, he’s lucky that he’s fighting next week and he’s not here because he would have got jumped by about 60 Scousers,
underscoring the threat of an overwhelming local backlash against the Auckland native.
At present, Dan Hooker is preparing to fight Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 325 in Sydney, a bout that could elevate him closer to top contenders. The growing personal animosity between Hooker and Pimblett seems to have stirred Pimblett’s desire to face his Kiwi rival in a potential match-up, though the Liverpudlian also took the opportunity to criticize Hooker’s recent performance. Pimblett revisited Hooker’s first-round knockout loss to Michael Chandler at UFC 257, aiming to undermine his standing.
He declared,
Yeah, but he’s beneath me. He’s an absolute c—p. He’s 5-5 in his last ten. He’s a bum. People call Michael Chandler washed. I beat him. Michael Chandler knocked Dan Hooker out in two minutes. What’s Dan Hooker if Michael Chandler’s washed? What’s Dan Hooker?
This sharp critique highlights the deepening rivalry, with Pimblett attempting to portray Hooker as a less formidable opponent in the lightweight division.
Pimblett’s Cautious Stance on Facing Alexander Volkanovski
Aside from the discord with Dan Hooker, Paddy Pimblett has addressed the prospect of facing Alexander Volkanovski, the Australian star and current featherweight champion. While acknowledging Volkanovski’s successful career and friendly demeanor, Pimblett expressed no intention of challenging the fighter despite the hypothetical possibility of Volkanovski seeking lightweight glory after UFC 325, where the Aussie will face Diego Lopes.
Explaining his position in the same Fox Sports Australia interview, Pimblett stated,
I don’t want to fight Volk. I really like Volk. He’s one of the nicest men I’ve ever met in my life. I’m a fan of Volk, but I just thought, hypothetically, that Volk would probably think that I am the easiest chance for him to become a lightweight champion and a double champ,
suggesting respect combined with strategic avoidance.
Amid ongoing talks of Volkanovski’s retirement and his ambitions to move up the lightweight ranks, his focus appears to be on avenging defeats against Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, rather than securing a second title. Pimblett’s comments reflect a nuanced understanding of the dynamics within the division and his own career path.
Implications of the Rivalries and What Lies Ahead
The verbal conflict between Paddy Pimblett and Dan Hooker continues to captivate the MMA community, drawing attention beyond their upcoming fights. With both athletes eager to assert dominance in the lightweight division, these provocations could potentially set the stage for a high-stakes confrontation if circumstances align.
Moreover, Pimblett’s careful considerations regarding other top fighters like Alexander Volkanovski reveal his priorities and tactical approach as he aims for the lightweight championship. As UFC 324 and 325 approach, fans and sports analysts remain alert to how these rivalries will influence career trajectories, match-making decisions, and the overall competitive landscape.
Whether Pimblett can maintain his focus amid this tension, especially ahead of significant bouts like the anticipated match against Justin Gaethje, remains a subject of interest among followers of the sport. The outcomes will not only shape the fighters’ legacies but could also determine future title shots and division hierarchies in the UFC lightweight category.
