UFC champ Islam Makhachev's coach says Paddy Pimblett 'deserves' next title shot
Javier Mendez would have no issues if Paddy Pimblett was awarded a UFC title shot.
Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) remained unbeaten in the octagon when he finished-former title challenger Michael Chandler by TKO in this past Saturday's UFC 314 co-headliner in Miami.
"The Baddy" called out top contenders Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Dustin Poirier, but UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) head coach thinks Pimblett has earned a title shot already.
"Paddy is ready to face anybody," Mendez said on his "Javier & Mo Show" podcast. "I mean, what he's done already, his credentials, his winning record in the UFC, his hype, and what he can do, how he can motivate people. If they give him the next title shot, he deserves it."
Mendez admits he wasn't initially sold on Pimblett, but he was eventually able to win him over. He also likes what Pimblett brings to the table from a promotional aspect.
'Let's see who they give him to. I don't know, but is he worthy? Yes," Mendez said. "He's very interesting. He's got all of England behind him and a lot of America behind him. Most of America will be behind him. He has a lot of fans, and I'm a fan. I wasn't a big fan in the beginning when he fought Jared Gordon, but I've become a huge fan."
The American Kickboxing head coach thought Jared Gordon beat Pimblett when they fought at UFC 282 but has seen vast strides in Pimblett's game ever since.
"He's improved every single time," Mendez said of Pimblett. "Every time he comes out, his confidence is stronger and stronger all the time. His speaking is pretty impressive. I like him. He's fun to watch. I can't understand half the words he says, but I do pick up on him. ...He's funny."
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