UFC star Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett confronted rival Dennis Frimpong at Manchester Top Team gym following an online dispute.
The tension began when Frimpong, who holds a 3-2 professional record, made dismissive comments about Pimblett’s fitness for upcoming events. After exchanging messages, the two agreed to settle their differences in person at Frimpong’s training facility.
The encounter drew significant attention, with fellow martial artists including Molly McCann gathering to witness the exchange. Both participants wore protective gear but engaged with clear intensity.
The incident was provoked by the following exchange on social media:
“You’ll find out wagwan tomorrow”
“Lad it’s called an mma fight yanno if i wanna take you down i will if i wanna knock u out on the feet i will there’s levels to this game and ur a million levels below me.”
“We’re doing this till someone is unconscious tapping doesn’t matter, no rounds we go until someone is knocked out yer.”
“You’re s*it on the feet and you know it we both know what ur going to do and nobody in this world is scared of that s*it style mate.”
“Hahahaha let’s see tomorrow init lad let’s see if ur even there i doubt you will be ur all talk bully ppl u know won’t say or do anything.”
“S*it on the feet tho says the one who’s never finished anyone who’s had a fight before in their pro career and ur meant to be a striker hahahahaha.”
“I’ll be there mate.”
“See u tomorrow 🫡.”
The decisive moment came when Frimpong missed a right hook, allowing Pimblett to secure a takedown. After a brief ground exchange, Pimblett took his opponent’s back and applied a rear-naked choke. Despite Frimpong’s submission signal, Pimblett maintained the hold, requiring several onlookers to intervene and separate them.
A brief commotion ensued between the respective camps, though it was quickly diffused. Afterward, Pimblett and Frimpong shared an embrace, apparently settling their differences.
While Pimblett won’t appear on the upcoming March 22 London card, this showing demonstrated his current conditioning. The 30-year-old Liverpool native hasn’t competed since submitting Bobby Green at UFC 304 last July, and currently rides a six-match win streak in the UFC with an overall record of 22-3.
The incident has sparked debate in the martial arts community about competition etiquette, with various practitioners expressing concerns about safety protocols during unofficial exchanges.
