Over the past decade, combat sports have become increasingly prominent in the UK’s sporting landscape. Within that broader picture, boxing remains the most established and widely followed discipline, with major fight nights attracting large audiences and sustained discussion around rankings, matchups, and title paths.
Interest no longer peaks solely on fight night itself, but develops through training updates, press conferences, and analysis that keep the sport in constant conversation.
Fans follow boxing through a mix of broadcasts, expert commentary, and closer attention to form and matchups.
But alongside boxing’s continued popularity, MMA has also expanded rapidly in the UK. In his recent conversation with a representative of the 247Bet boxing betting platform, David Price reflected on that shift, turning his attention to MMA figures such as Paddy Pimblett and noting how personality and visibility now place boxing and MMA on an equal footing.
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David Price on Paddy Pimblett: A Moment That Matters Beyond the Belt
As MMA continues to gain ground in the UK, David Price has pointed to Paddy Pimblett as one of the sport’s most influential figures in recent years. With Pimblett preparing to fight for a UFC belt on the 25th, Price described the moment as significant not only for the fighter but for Liverpool as a whole. “It’d be brilliant,” Price said, adding that the city would be “over the moon for Paddy” if he were to bring the belt back.
Price acknowledged that combat sports already had a strong base in Liverpool, helped in recent years by the rise of Darren Till, but believes Pimblett has taken that visibility further.
“He’s made the sport popular in the city,” Price said, before noting that Pimblett has elevated it to another level. He also highlighted Pimblett’s character outside competition, describing him as “a cracking lad” who is generous with his time and regularly raises awareness around important issues.
For Price, those qualities are central to Pimblett’s connection with fans. He described him as “a gentleman” and pointed to his strong ties to Liverpool as a key factor behind the support he receives. In that context, a title win would be “superb, and well-deserved,” Price said, capturing why the moment carries meaning beyond the result itself.
A Local Figure at the Centre of MMA’s Growth
Price also reflected on the growing importance of personality in how MMA is followed, particularly at the city level. In Pimblett’s case, he pointed to a strong connection with Liverpool that has helped sustain local support ahead of major fights.
According to Price, that bond goes beyond results and is built on how Pimblett conducts himself outside the cage. “He’s such a good person outside of the sport,” Price said, highlighting his openness and generosity with his time.
While Liverpool already had a presence in MMA, helped by earlier figures such as Darren Till, Price believes Pimblett has carried that momentum further. “It was already popular thanks to Darren Till, but I think he’s took it on a level,” he said, underlining the scale of Pimblett’s impact on the city’s fight scene.
For many supporters, the upcoming title bout represents more than a single night’s result. Price described the moment as something the city is fully behind, noting that Pimblett’s connection to Liverpool, both culturally and personally, has helped unify that support. “We’re all rooting for him big time,” Price said, capturing how Pimblett’s journey reflects the broader growth of MMA within the city.
Paddy Pimblett: From Liverpool to UFC Contender
Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is a British mixed martial artist from Liverpool, England, currently competing in the UFC’s lightweight division. Born on January 3, 1995, he began training in MMA as a teenager and made his professional debut at 17, quickly building a reputation for an exciting, aggressive style in the cage.
Pimblett first gained prominence in European MMA, notably in Cage Warriors, where he captured title gold and showcased his finishing ability. In 2021, he made his UFC debut with a first-round knockout, setting the tone for his rise in the promotion.
He holds an unbeaten UFC record and has collected multiple “Performance of the Night” bonuses. Known for his charismatic personality and strong connection with fans, Pimblett has become one of Britain’s most recognised MMA stars.