Paddy Pimblett expects his fight with Bobby Green at UFC 304 to be the hardest test of his career in front of an audience in Manchester which will contain “thousands” of fans from his native Liverpool.
American Green takes on unranked Pimblett as the 15th-best lightweight in the UFC standings, having fought for the promotion for more than 11 years.
“Every fight you win, you’re a step closer to realising your dream and becoming a champ,” Pimblett told the UFC, previewing a bout with an opponent nine years his senior who has had 49 professional MMA contests.
“If I win this fight, I’ll take my ranking. I’m thinking about getting Bobby out of there and finishing him.
Paddy Pimblett comes in at 156lbs #UFC304 PIC.TWITTER.COM/9E6ZPC8CTB
— Chisanga Malata (@Chisanga_Malata) JULY 26, 2024
UFC 304: Pimblett vs Green
“People think I’m just going out to take him down,” suggested Pimblett. “I’m not – I’m going to bring out some flashy kicks out that people aren’t going to be used to from me.
“It’s going to be my toughest fight to date but I’m going to come in and pass the test with flying colours.”
Close friend and fellow Liverpudlian Molly McCann also takes on Bruna Brasil at strawweight on a night when Pimblett predicted supporters from Manchester, Birmingham, London and the rest of Great Britain and Ireland will fill the new Co-Op Live venue.
The setting was completed earlier this year and is the largest indoor arena of its kind in Europe.
GREEN vs PIMBLETT! #UFC304 is LIVE SATURDAY on @ESPNPlus PPV! PIC.TWITTER.COM/VUFMX5N1FJ
— danawhite (@danawhite) JULY 25, 2024
UFC 304: Manchester ‘special’
“This is going to be the most special walk-out so far,” said Pimblett. “We’re back in the north… this is going to be a whole new ball game in a brand new arena in Manchester, 40 or 30 minutes from my house.
“There’s going to be some amazing energy in that place and the adrenaline that goes through my body is going to be insane.
“There are going to be thousands of Scousers there to watch me and Molly. But there will also be Mancs, Brummies, Cockneys.
“The whole of England is going to be there to watch us, and all the [Scottish], Welsh, Irish there to support us.”
Liverpool fan Pimblett is also optimistic about his club’s new manager. “I’m hoping big Arne Slot is going to steady the ship and take it by storm,” he said, speaking before he fights at a location next to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. “I’m hoping he’s going to be winning trophies.”
