Paddy Pimblett has lost the favor of a lot of fans following his last fight. At UFC 282, Paddy collected a highly controversial unanimous decision victory over Jared Gordon. With many believing that the Englishman survived by the skin of his teeth, an even bigger challenge awaits him at UFC 288.
According to reports from various media outlets, Pimblett is set to face Drew Dober at UFC 288 in May. Recently, there were reports suggesting the bout and Dober posted a cryptic response to it as well. However, according to some other sources, the UFC is waiting on Pimblett to agree to the fight.
https://twitter.com/realruebenking/status/1625391376887123968
Previously, Dober showed interest in fighting Pimblett but felt as though the UFC was protecting the new prospect. Ahead of his fight against Bobby Green, Dober claimed that the UFC will never let him fight Pimblett. Despite this, it seems as though the #14 lightweight contender could soon be granted his wish.
Should a fight materialize, Dober is likely to be the favorite. One of the toughest and hardest-hitting lightweights, the American is a tough fight for any lightweight. Moreover, he has collected 3 KO/TKO wins on the trot. As such, Paddy the Baddy will have to put in a lot of work should he take the fight against Dober.
Paddy Pimblett vs Drew Dober at UFC 288?- fans react!
For the most part, this is a matchup that fans are very keen to see. Although it will be a good watch, fans are convinced that it is the end of Paddy’s hype train. Whilst some fans feel that Dober will quite possibly retire Pimblett, there are others who believe that the Englishman won’t even sign the contract in the first place!
As such, let’s take a look at what some of the fans had to say about the matchup.
The comments are overwhelmingly in support of Dober, and understandably so.
paddy finally fed 2 the wolves
Can I borrow someone’s house to put on Dober
Wowwwwww rip 🪦 the baddy
So ufc just decided to sacrifice him for his Last performance
oh it’s over for paddy
Paddy getting finished in the first
Dana milked Paddy the Baddy to the fullest and is now sending him to the wolves for a career ending run
Damn… that seems like way too big of a step up for Paddy!Drew by KO or paddy by submission, paddy’s grappling and ground game is decent, but other than that he’s gonna get KO’d, dude is tied with Dustin for most KO’s in lightweight history, add paddy to that list lmao
Pimblett – Gordon, Paddy keeps chin high and pulls straight back, will pay at some point. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
Previously, Drew Dober managed to knock out Bobby Green, which is some feat in itself. Pair that with the fact that Paddy has been called out numerous times for his questionable defense. As such, Michael Bisping and legendary boxing coach Teddy Atlas have warned Paddy about improving his boxing and striking fundamentals.
If Paddy continues in the same happy-go-lucky fashion as before, it could be a quick night in the Octagon for him. With a tendency to go into the pocket with his chin up, mistakes like that will be heavily punished by someone like Dober. Will Paddy improve his style, or will Dober deliver a devastating amount of damage on him? Only time will tell.