Veteran UFC commentator Jon Anik sees notable resemblances between two emerging talents, Paddy Pimblett and Ian Machado Garry.
While Garry is slated to headline the upcoming UFC Kansas City event against Carlos Prates this Saturday, Pimblett is fresh off arguably the most significant win of his career against Michael Chandler at UFC 314. While many in the mixed martial arts community have lauded “The Baddy,” others remain hesitant to give Pimblett his full due – a point Anik highlights as a key parallel between Pimblett and Garry.
Anik explained, “Well, I believe part of it stems from people having selective memory regarding Michael Chandler’s career history and the consistent manner in which he has competed against both top-tier and other opponents. Yet, Michael Chandler came incredibly close to defeating one of those elite competitors, which would have drastically shifted the narrative around his career. I draw comparisons to Ian Machado Garry when discussing Paddy Pimblett because, for whatever reason, observers tend to focus on elements unrelated to their skills as martial artists concerning these two individuals. For me, and this isn`t about being a promoter but about identifying potential world champions, that`s my focus.”
“For example, I purposefully save fighter data sheets for certain athletes, like all of Ilia Topuria`s, because I recognized his potential early on. I have long held belief in Paddy Pimblett. I think people have fixated too much on his hair, the controversial outcome against Jared Gordon, an inconsistent performance, criticisms of his technical skills, or other various aspects. However, for me, the focus is on the fighter meetings, on the person who could have entered the UFC at 21 but waited until he was a more developed athlete. I focus on the fighter eager to deploy techniques like 12-to-6 elbows now that they are permitted, the inherent aggression, the violent aspects of his fighting style, and the fact that, unlike some others, becoming a father has elevated his discipline and motivation to a new level.”
“Take Sean O’Malley, for instance, when he had a child. You might ask if it brought a different kind of motivation. He replied, ‘No, I’m doing this for myself,’ and I respect that perspective too. But yes, Paddy Pimblett is undeniably a challenging opponent.”
Following his recent victory, Pimblett has been actively seeking a bout against a top contender, notably mentioning Charles Oliveira, in a bid to cement his claim for a championship opportunity.
Anik stated he would not have faulted Pimblett in the slightest if he had decided to focus his post-fight efforts entirely on campaigning for a title shot after defeating Chandler in Miami.
“When I sat down with him before the Chandler fight, he wasn`t discussing Islam Makhachev, though he theoretically could have been,” Anik pointed out. “Islam doesn`t currently have an obvious next opponent. Why shouldn`t Paddy Pimblett present his case? He`s requesting a fight with Charles *ucking Oliveira because he has confidence in himself…”
“…I genuinely felt Ian Machado Garry could have, and perhaps should have, received a title opportunity in Montreal against Belal Muhammad. The reason Shavkat Rakhmonov cannot compete is because he endured a grueling 25-minute battle against Ian Machado Garry, rendering him unable to make the walk. Why isn`t Ian getting that chance? Many different elements play into these situations, and I raise this in the context of Paddy Pimblett because, unless you believe he will be utterly outclassed in a completely one-sided fashion against Charles Oliveira, I don`t necessarily see significant drawbacks to that specific pairing.”
“To me, honestly, Paddy Pimblett versus Charles Oliveira has become a dream fight, second only to Khamzat Chimaev facing Dricus du Plessis. So, unless you anticipate him being completely dominated, I`m not convinced a loss to Charles is necessarily full of negative consequences. But yes, he could potentially wait and be granted a title shot right now, especially given that the lightweight champion lacks a clear next contender since Arman Tsarukyan somewhat complicated his own position.”
