Tony Ferguson (left) and Paddy Pimblett (right)(image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Not everyone is sold yet that Paddy Pimblett is going to be a top contender in the UFC’s lightweight division. But, it sounds like Gilbert Burns believes the outspoken and charismatic fighter is on his way.

Pimblett has long been regarded as one of the top lightweights in the United Kingdom and arrived in the UFC back in 2021 with considerable hype. But, following a razor-thin, decision win over Jared Gordon last year, and because he was unable to stop longtime and struggling contender, Tony Ferguson, some are questioning whether Pimblett can be a title contender.

More recently, Burns appeared on the Jaxxon podcast. While discussing the fact he previously trained with Pimblett, Burns relayed he sees a bright future ahead for the 29-year-old fighter (quotes via MMA Junkie.com).

“I think he’s still super young and he’s going through the test,” Burns said. “He’s undefeated in the UFC. He beat a couple good guys – Jared Gordon and now Tony. Tony, unfortunately, is not the Tony that we all like. I’m still a fan of the guy and I think he’s a freaking legend, but he’s kind of going down now. But the guy showed up because Tony is like the old guy, the old shark – if he smells that blood, if he sees it, he’s going to take it.

“…Four months ago when I was in the U.K, he was already in shape,” Burns said. “I think slowly he’s learning. And yeah – he’s legit. He’s still very young, but he’s a legit fighter.”

Since arriving in the UFC, Pimblett (21-3) has gone 5-0.  Currently, the Liverpool fighter is not ranked in the UFC’s top 15, lightweight rankings.