Paddy Pimblett has always stood out in the UFC, not just for his fighting but for his distinct personality—his wild hair, strong Scouse accent, and loyal fanbase. From the start, he had the ingredients of a star. But now, as he prepares for a high-stakes matchup against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, the moment feels more crucial than ever. According to longtime UFC commentator Jon Anik, this could be the beginning of something huge for ‘The Baddy.’
Speaking on The Bohnfire podcast with Mike Bohn, Anik discussed Pimblett’s surprisingly direct path to global fame. He claimed that Pimblett doesn’t even need to win the UFC title to become a global star—he just needs to make it to a title fight. “All Paddy has to do is win his next two fights,” Anik said. “If he beats Chandler, he might already reach superstar status. If he takes out Charles Oliveira next? That’s monumental.” The point is clear: Pimblett’s moment has arrived, and it all kicks off this Saturday in Miami.
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What’s caught many by surprise is Pimblett’s mature outlook. Unlike many contenders who obsess over the title, Pimblett appears to be playing a longer, more strategic game. As Anik pointed out, Paddy hasn’t even mentioned the current champion, Islam Makhachev, yet. Instead, he’s focused on beating Chandler, then possibly Oliveira or Dustin Poirier, before going after the belt. It’s a surprisingly thoughtful and composed mindset for someone once known more for his antics and flair. And that self-awareness, Anik suggests, might be just as vital as his physical performance.
Of course, none of the hype matters if Pimblett doesn’t deliver inside the octagon. But if he can beat Chandler and then follow it up with another marquee win, the UFC might just have its next global icon. Pimblett already splits opinion—something that tends to happen with true stars. Now, under the brightest lights yet, it’s time to prove himself. But what sparked this shift from loudmouth showman to focused contender? The answer lies in his personal life.
A key factor in Pimblett’s transformation has been fatherhood. Anik’s comments weren’t just promotional—they revealed a deeper change. In April 2024, Pimblett became a father to twin daughters, Betsy and Margot, and credits them with altering his entire perspective on life and fighting. “It’s changed my life in every way possible,” he said during UFC 314 Embedded.
These days, Paddy is more disciplined—he trains harder, follows a routine, and no longer relies solely on his natural talent. When exhaustion hits or training gets tough, he pushes through—not for fans or fame, but for his family. His motivation has evolved from self-expression to legacy-building.
This evolution—from an unpredictable rising star to a driven and responsible competitor—could be the missing element in Paddy’s rise to greatness. As he faces perhaps the biggest challenge of his career in Michael Chandler, Pimblett isn’t just looking for a win—he’s aiming to build something lasting, inspired by a purpose greater than himself. Jon Anik’s prediction that two more wins could elevate Pimblett to global superstardom isn’t just speculation—it’s a reflection of the real transformation taking place behind the scenes. The question now is: can he rise to the occasion?