Paddy Pimblett has long been more than simply another name on the UFC roster. With his wild hair, Scouse swagger, and cult-like following, he’s had star potential since the beginning. But now, as he prepares for his greatest test yet against Michael Chandler at UFC 314, the stakes seem higher than ever. And, according to longtime UFC commentator Jon Anik, this bout might be the beginning of something massive for ‘The Baddy.’
During an appearance on The Bohnfire podcast with Mike Bohn, Anik detailed Pimblett’s shockingly straightforward road to superstardom. “All Paddy Pimblett has to do is get to a title fight to be a global superstar,” Anik stated. “He doesn’t have to win the championship. (He) just has to win the next two fights. If he can beat Michael Chandler, superstar status might be attained. Beating Charles (Oliveira)? Holy f—.” The message is simple: Paddy’s time is not in the future; it is now, and it begins Saturday night in Miami.
What surprises people, however, is Pimblett’s own perspective. Rather than focusing solely on a title shot, as many others in his position do, he appears to understand the big picture. Anik highlighted that ‘The Baddy’ has yet to call out Islam Makhachev. Instead, he intends to defeat Chandler first, followed by Charles Oliveira or Dustin Poirier, before focusing on the belt. It’s a mature, focused approach from someone who previously built his brand on chaos. And, according to Anik, self-awareness could be just as essential as the triumphs themselves.
Of course, none of this will matter unless Paddy Pimblett delivers on fight night. But if he pulls it off—if he defeats Chandler and then wins another huge fight—the UFC could have its next global breakthrough. ‘The Baddy’ already divides opinion, as any true star should. Now, with the lights shining brighter than ever, all that remains is to walk the walk. But how did the fun-loving trash-talker become such a calculated man now? Well, it has a lot to do with his personal life.
Paddy Pimblett credits his twins for bringing massive change in mindset
What Jon Anik mentioned during his Bohnfire interview was more than just hype; it was a glimpse into a more serious, grounded Paddy Pimblett. That transformation in attitude, the clarity in his voice, and the strategic thinking Anik complimented all stem from a single important event in Paddy’s life: becoming a father. While “The Baddy” retains the fire that drew fans to him in the first place, the flash now serves a greater purpose. His attention, which was earlier divided between jokes and junk food, has narrowed—and it’s all because of two little girls.
In April 2024, ‘The Baddy’ became a father to twin daughters, Betsy and Margot, and he credits them with entirely changing the way he sees life and fighting. “It’s changed my life in every way possible,” he stated at UFC 314 Embedded. He now exercises harder, lives by routine, and confesses that before fatherhood, he relied on raw talent. That is no longer the case. When training becomes difficult or fatigue kicks in, it’s no longer about proving something to fans; it’s about showing up for his family and putting food on the table.
That transition from wild prodigy to responsible challenger may be the missing link in Paddy’s rise to success. As he prepares for his most difficult test yet against Michael Chandler, he is after more than just a victory; he is chasing a legacy, driven by something greater than himself. Jon Anik wasn’t just being nice when he predicted Paddy could become a global celebrity with two more victories. He was responding to something genuine: a fighter who had finally discovered the “why” behind the “how.” What do you think? Will Pimblett be able to grab a win at UFC 314? Let us know in the comments.
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