UFC commentator Jon Anik sees significant comparisons between rising stars Paddy Pimblett and Ian Machado Garry.
While Garry is slated to headline UFC Kansas City this coming Saturday against Carlos Prates, Pimblett recently secured arguably the most important win of his career over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. Pimblett, like Garry, elicits varied reactions; some within the MMA community laud his achievements, while others are hesitant to give him due credit, which Anik identifies as a key similarity between the two fighters.
Anik explained his perspective, suggesting that part of the reason for the mixed reception stems from fans having selective memory regarding Michael Chandler’s body of work and his typical fighting style against elite opponents. He notes that Chandler came very close to defeating a top-tier fighter, yet the public narrative about his career remains unchanged. Anik draws parallels to Ian Machado Garry and Paddy Pimblett, observing that for some reason, discussions around these two fighters often drift towards aspects unrelated to their skills as martial artists. Anik, focusing on identifying potential champions, finds this tendency notable.
He elaborated on his belief in Pimblett, stating he keeps records of fighters he sees potential in, citing Ilia Topuria as an example. Anik has long been a believer in Pimblett, in contrast to those who fixate on superficial elements like his hair, his controversial decision win against Jared Gordon, a perceived poor performance, skill ratings, or other non-essential points. Anik focuses instead on insights gained from fighter meetings, Pimblett`s strategic decision to join the UFC at the right age when he was a proper athlete, his eagerness to utilize newly legalized techniques like 12-to-6 elbows, his inherent aggression and violent fighting style, and how becoming a father has elevated his discipline and motivation, unlike some others in the sport.
Anik cited Sean O’Malley as an example of a fighter whose motivation wasn`t significantly altered by fatherhood, contrasting it with Pimblett`s case, before concluding that Paddy Pimblett is indeed a formidable challenge.
Following his recent victory, Pimblett has publicly called for a fight against a top contender, specifically mentioning Charles Oliveira, aiming to position himself for a championship opportunity.
Anik stated that he wouldn`t have blamed Pimblett at all if he had focused all his post-fight commentary after defeating Chandler solely on lobbying for a title shot.
Recounting a conversation before the Chandler fight, Anik mentioned that Pimblett wasn`t focused on calling out Islam Makhachev, who currently doesn`t have an obvious next opponent. Instead, Pimblett confidently called out Charles Oliveira, demonstrating immense self-belief.
Anik also suggested that Ian Machado Garry potentially deserved a title fight against Belal Muhammad in Montreal, noting that Shavkat Rakhmonov`s injury sustained during his tough, 25-minute fight with Garry has sidelined him. He questioned why Garry hasn`t received such an opportunity. Drawing this back to Pimblett, Anik believes a potential matchup against Charles Oliveira carries little downside for Pimblett unless he is completely dominated, arguing a loss to a fighter of Oliveira`s caliber isn`t necessarily detrimental.
Anik personally views a Paddy Pimblett vs. Charles Oliveira bout as a “dream fight,” putting it alongside matchups like Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis. He reiterated his stance that a loss wouldn`t be fraught with negative consequences for Pimblett. Furthermore, he posited that Pimblett could potentially earn a title shot even sooner, given the current situation in the lightweight division where champion Islam Makhachev lacks a clear next challenger after Arman Tsarukyan`s recent actions.
