Every European lightweight wants a shot at Paddy Pimblett and Joe McColgan may have just secured his.
Joe McColgan has played a blinder on social media to get the attention of one of Europe’s most hyped prospects.
At the time of writing, 23-year-old Paddy Pimblett (14-2) is ranked as the number two fighter on the European circuit by Tapology. Only undefeated KSW champion Mateusz Gamrot is ahead of him on the list. In the third spot is Bushmills’ Norman Parke, who is a nine-fight UFC veteran.
After losing his Cage Warriors featherweight strap to Nad Narimani, Pimblett moved up a division. If his stock took a hit after the defeat, it certainly rose again after his recent outing against Alexis Savvidis. His flying triangle submission in the second round even earned the praise of Tony Ferguson.
Very Noiiiiice!!!! Props, Good Job Kid https://t.co/Kb2YkIzd2H
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) February 25, 2018
Making noise
With the Paddy the Baddy hype train starting to fill up again, Northern Ireland’s Joe McColgan (4-1) saw his opportunity. The man whose moniker is ‘the SBG Hunter’ called Pimblett’s ability to hang at 155 lbs into question before crucially adding that he would ‘run through’ the Liverpool man.
I like @PaddyTheBaddy, but I don't think he'll make it as a lightweight. A top striker with mountain goat takedown defence would run through him. Someone like myself. I'll be back in the @CageWarriors octagon september.
— Joe McColgan (@JoeMcColgan_) February 26, 2018
The callout successfully got the attention of the former champion. Pimblett made it clear that he would be willing to step up and fight as long as McColgan was too. The Belfast man assured him that he was a man of his word.
I like u to fella ur game to fight anyone, but this is my natural weight class no1 can stop me taking them down as it is never mind without loosing 7/8kg overnight if it’s not just talk for publicity speak to @CageWarriors let’s get this shit sorted ????
— Paddy Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy) February 26, 2018
Ha. I’m a man of my word. @CageWarriors and @iandean can vouch for me on that. September baddy, I’ll be ready.#BelfastvsLiverpool
— Joe McColgan (@JoeMcColgan_) February 26, 2018
Keep an eye out
Pimblett is eyeing up a bout against Soren Bak in the promotion’s Sweden debut in April. However, if that fight goes ahead, Pimblett admitted he would consider taking up McColgan’s offer for September.
I am myself fella what I say I do an 2 belts round me shoulders by the end of the year is what’s happening? hopefully Bak doesn’t turn me down in Sweden then we can think about September see ya soon Joseph ??
— Paddy Pimblett (@PaddyTheBaddy) February 26, 2018
MMA Gods, you know what to do. Make it happen, please.
