Paddy Pimblett is planning an attack on Hollywood once his fighting days are over, but he might not be taking any tips from Conor McGregor.
The scouse star is the fastest rising in the sport. And it only soared higher last weekend as he obliterated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler within three rounds in the co-main event of UFC 314 in Miami.
Pimblett has yet to taste defeat inside the octagon, and is becoming as beloved in America as he is in his native Liverpool. Now, he wants to take his talents to the big screen and emulate the likes of Randy Couture and Rampage Jackson.
Paddy Pimblett plots Hollywood stardom as UFC stock continues to rise
Paddy Pimblett is currently within touching distance of a UFC title, which would be accompanied by the fame and money he could only dream of. However, he harbours further ambitions than just winning gold, and fancies a go on the big screen.
“I’ve always said I want to end up in Hollywood,” he told the voice of the octagon Bruce Buffer on his podcast It’s Time. “I want to end up in films or series and stuff like that.”
However, he reckons that he has more to offer in the business than his compatriot Conor McGregor, whose sole acting job came in for some critique and mockery. “I’d definitely be a better actor than Conor if you know what I mean,” he continued.
“I’d be in a serious role, not like just playing a weird version of myself.” He agreed when Buffer noted that the Irishman tended to just play an extreme version of his own persona when he appeared opposite Jake Gyllenhaal in Roadhouse two years ago.
Paddy Pimblett wants Charles Oliveira before shooting for UFC gold
The Liverpudlian grappling expert has now more than proved his mettle as a legitimate top ten contender in the lightweight division in recent performances. He was just confirmed to be ranked at number eight, and is keen to have one more challenge before going for the belt.
He called out a number of names, but seems most interested in Charles Oliveira and proving that he is the best grappler at 155lb. However, Oliveira doesn’t seem too interested, telling Portal do Vale Tudo: “I’m thinking about fighting for a belt.
“So there’s no reason to think about guys that are below me, only those ahead of me. He’s a tough kid, he’s on a good rise, fighting really well, but I don’t even think about it. All these guys come saying talking trying to get a fight and get to the top.
“They’re not wrong, each one sells a fight their way. There was a time I poked at others to get a fight with top 5 guys. It’s part [of the sport]. It would be a great fight, but not for the moment I’m in right now.”
