Legendary boxing coach Teddy Atlas sent out a word of advice for Paddy Pimblett following his lackluster performance against Jared Gordon in the co-main event of UFC 282. The British prospect failed to impress as he picked up a controversial unanimous decision win over the MMA veteran. Pimblett received huge criticism following the fight, with many fans and fighters taking to social media to express their disappointment at the decision.
Close first round and Pimblett won 2nd with Gordon winning last rd. Can’t argue either way with split decision. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
Atlas’ views on the fight give us a glimpse into the judges’ decision and how the decision turned out to be. The legendary boxing coach felt it wasn’t that horrible a decision, however, saw it as a split-decision victory that could have gone either way.
Paddy looking to catch the shorter Gordon coming in. Uppercut could be effective for Pimblett. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
As for the first round, Pimblett did enough on the feet, however, at some heavy left hooks from Gordon. Moreover, a takedown in the closing moments of the round meant, in the eyes of many, Pimblett lost the round.
Close first round, Pimblett was busier mixing kicks and strikes, but Gordon effective and got to mat end of rd. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
The Scouser picked up in the second round, making great use of his leg kicks, and aggressive approach to overwhelm Pimblett on several occasions. Most of the fans also thought Pimblett won the second round, and so did Teddy Atlas. On the judges’ scorecards as well, that was the case.
Big flurry and finish in 2nd rd won it for Paddy. Eye poke didn’t help Gordon. Can’t glove hasn’t been made to help. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
Gordon won battle of geography in last round winning round, he was strong and smart in close with grappling skills. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
Gordon fought smart efficient fight. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
Calling Gordon a smart and efficient fighter, Teddy Atlas heaped praise on the American fighter who executed a brilliant game plan. While the opinion stands completely opposite to Dana White, who criticized Gordon for trying to clinch and wrestle in the third round, Atlas seemed unbothered by the accusations from the UFC President.
Teddy Atlas has some advice for Paddy Pimblett
A smart fighter tends to follow a game plan where the idea is to not get hit while making the opponent pay for their mistakes, and that’s basically the most important aspect of any combat sport. In the case of Pimblett, however, it has been missing since the very first fight.
Nice to have a great chin, but smart to also hide it. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
Piimblett has been there to hit, and that too with his chin right up. “Nice to have a great chin, but smart to also hide it,” Atlas said. Your toughness can take you to the top, but ultimately it’s the skills that define a true champion. For Paddy Pimblett, the fundamental seems to be missing.
Pimblett – Gordon, Paddy keeps chin high and pulls straight back, will pay at some point. #UFC282
— Teddy Atlas (@TeddyAtlasReal) December 11, 2022
In his race to the UFC gold, Pimblett is going to find himself against more well-rounded fighters, and should he continue the way he has been fighting, it’s hard not to agree with Teddy Atlas; Pimblett might pay for his recklessness at some point.