The MMA Daily

A fight that will certainly rile the card up comes in the Lightweight division, as Paddy Pimblett takes on Jordan Leavitt. Capturing an entire nation, Pimblett has become one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. Backing up that fame and hype with two straight stoppage victories inside the octagon, Pimblett has injected a little more blood in a talent rich Lightweight division. Meanwhile, Leavitt comes into this bout on a two-fight win streak. Hitting the jackpot of opportunities, Leavitt has a chance to hush an entire nation and create some newfound buzz for himself. With three wins in the UFC already, Leavitt is a certainly Pimblett’s toughest test to date in the UFC.

In what should be an intriguing fight, one could assume that both gentlemen will be fighting without any corner advice due to the shear loudness of the crowd. Pimblett, is mainly a grappler with excellent submission abilities. While unafraid to throw leather, Pimblett has been most vulnerable on the feet. In his two UFC fights, despite winning via knockout in his debut, he was rocked in both fights. Against Leavitt however, who has no power, Pimblett will be able to strike freely. As for the aforementioned Leavitt, the American is a solid grappler. With six of his ten wins coming via submission, more often than not, being on the ground with Leavitt isn’t the smartest of choices. On the feet, Leavitt has a decent jab and leg kicks. Not powerful or crafty though, Leavitt will find himself in trouble against someone who can neutralize his grappling.

The UFC is doing a good job of slowly bringing Pimblett up, while at the same time cashing in on him. While Leavitt is a formidable foe, he isn’t going to wreck any plans. Pimblett, being a good grappler, has free reign to either engage Leavitt on the ground or keep it standing. Obviously with an advantage on the feet, one would assume Pimblett will just strike. However, seeing how Leavitt’s takedown defense sits at 33% and Claudio Puelles was able to control him on the ground for ten minutes, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to believe Pimblett grapples. Either way, this is the Brit’s fight to lose. With that said, I predict Pimblett to win via TKO.