Dan Hooker has expressed his surprise regarding Paddy Pimblett’s recent rise to fifth place in the UFC lightweight rankings. Hooker, a seasoned fighter from New Zealand, made these comments during a media appearance ahead of his match against Arman Tsarukyan in Qatar.
Paddy Pimblett’s Ranking Shift
Recently, the lightweight division saw a significant change. Former champion Islam Makhachev was removed from the rankings after securing the welterweight title. This action inadvertently allowed all other fighters in the division, including Pimblett, to climb one position higher.
Hooker’s Reaction
During the media briefing, when journalists informed Hooker about Pimblett’s ranking, he chuckled and questioned, “How?” He noted that while Pimblett has an undefeated record in the UFC, he has yet to defeat any top-10 contenders. Hooker himself is currently ranked right below Pimblett.
Pimblett’s Recent Fights
- Pimblett last fought in April.
- He won against 11th-ranked Michael Chandler by stoppage in the third round.
- Overall, he remains unbeaten in seven UFC fights.
Future Contenders
Paddy Pimblett has been vocal about his desire for a championship match against Ilia Topuria. However, the UFC’s next steps regarding title shots remain uncertain. Hooker suggested that the promotion might be positioning Pimblett for a title opportunity, which raised some eyebrows in the MMA community.
As fans await updates, the lightweight division remains dynamic and competitive, with several fighters vying for the top spot.
