Paddy Pimblett has advised Dan Hooker not to show up at UFC 324 next weekend.
‘The Baddy’ is set to take on Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title in Las Vegas on January 24.
In the build-up to what is undoubtedly the biggest moment of his career, the Briton has found himself in a war of words with another contender.
The feud began when Pimblett made a controversial remark about Hooker’s grappling ability during a pre-fight interview, mentioning the Kiwi fighter’s mother. The latter then responded by bringing up the tragic suicide of one of Pimblett’s friends in 2022.
Paddy Pimblett sends warning to Dan Hooker
In a recent conversation with Fox Sports Australia, Paddy Pimblett did not hold back his feelings toward Dan Hooker.
The fighter, who has been open about mental health advocacy, suggested things could get out of hand if Hooker appeared at UFC 324.
“F— him,” Pimblett replied when asked about the 35-year-old on Thursday.
“I’ve had people from Liverpool asking if he’s coming this week because they were going to batter him.
“So, he’s lucky that he’s fighting next week and he’s not here because he would have got jumped by about 60 Scousers.”
While Pimblett is willing to settle his dispute with Hooker inside the Octagon, he does not believe that fight will ever materialize.
“Yeah, but he’s beneath me,” he said when asked about the potential bout.
“He’s an absolute crab. He’s 5-5 in his last ten. He’s a bum. People call Michael Chandler washed, I beat him. Michael Chandler knocked Dan Hooker out in two minutes. What’s Dan Hooker if Michael Chandler’s washed? What’s Dan Hooker?”
Paddy Pimblett backs himself to stop Justin Gaethje inside three rounds at UFC 324
Pimblett has said he plans to stand and trade with Gaethje when they meet at UFC 324.
“I’ll keep it on the feet with him,” Pimblett revealed.
“There’s the blueprint there to beat him, Max [Holloway] done it.
“Everyone underestimates my striking. Everyone thinks I’m just going to come in and I’m going to take him down, and I’m not.
“He had an absolute war with [Michael] Chandler, and I pieced Chandler up.
“So, I know MMA math doesn’t work, but you’ll see come January 24, when we have a perfect game plan, and we finish him within three.”
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