It is no secret that the UFC has long been not just a sport but also a spectacle. While elite fighters showcase their skills inside the Octagon, the company’s foundation rests just as much on showmanship as it does on athleticism. For the business to thrive, Dana White and his team have always relied on captivating personalities. Legends like Conor McGregor and Chael Sonnen built entire legacies on their charisma and razor-sharp trash talk.
In today’s UFC landscape, Paddy Pimblett stands as one of the brightest heirs to that tradition. The Liverpudlian has turned his energy into a trademark, becoming a fan favorite and a polarizing figure all at once. Recently, his flair even earned praise from none other than former UFC bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey. And when ‘The Baddy’ learned of Rousey’s compliment, he made sure to return the respect on his social media.
Paddy Pimblett Calls Ronda Rousey a Legend After Receiving Her Praise
Since making his UFC debut in 2021, the Liverpudlian has remained undefeated inside the Octagon. Along with his fighting skills, Pimblett’s lively personality and signature bowl cut have helped him build serious momentum and a devoted fan base.
During an appearance at New York Comic Con, Ronda Rousey praised fighters who understand the importance of being entertainers as well as athletes.
She said, “But that’s what I think really matters, that you can make people know who you are, that don’t watch fighting. And that is how you command the ‘being an entertainer’ aspect. I think a lot of the fighters today don’t realize that they’re also entertainers.”
Rousey then gave credit where it was due to the Englishman, adding, “And the one person I think that does really realize that is Paddy Pimblett. And so I really appreciate it.”
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Needless to say, the #7-ranked 155-pounder was thrilled to hear such words from one of the sport’s biggest pioneers. He shared a clip of Rousey’s comments on his Instagram Stories, adding a heartfelt message that read, “Thank you very much, Ronda Rousey. Means a lot coming from a UFC legend!”
It is safe to say that Pimblett has made the most of his charismatic personality. His sharp wit and confident mic skills helped spark a personal feud with reigning lightweight champion Ilia Topuria back in 2022, ahead of a Fight Night event in London. That rivalry came full circle in 2025, when Pimblett was the one who got the chance to confront Topuria after he claimed the lightweight title at UFC 317.
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Their face-off quickly fueled talk of a potential showdown between the two, giving Pimblett a golden opportunity to chase UFC gold. Never one to shy away from the spotlight, ‘The Baddy’ recently raised the stakes even further by calling out Topuria directly, this time taking jabs at the Spaniard’s home stadium, the Santiago Bernabeu, while proudly comparing it to his beloved Anfield.
With the lightweight division heating up, especially with Arman Tsarukyan set to face Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar in a No. 1 contender’s bout, Pimblett’s antics have kept him firmly in the UFC’s spotlight.
And if he can deliver another performance like his standout showing against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, entertainment aside, Pimblett might just find himself fighting for the title sooner rather than later.
