Paddy Pimblett has now admitted that he desires one fellow UFC fighter’s skill set in the octagon more than Islam Makhachev’s world-class wrestling ability.
Islam Makhachev has one of the best wrestling and grappling skills in MMA right now after the 34-year-old Russian star’s incredible rise in Dana White’s UFC promotion.
The UFC fighter has had the incredible support and backing of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who has coached him and been in his corner during his MMA career.
Islam, who is a former UFC lightweight champion, is set to make the first defense of his welterweight title next month against Ian Machado Garry at UFC 330.
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UFC star Paddy Pimblett would want Gable Steveson’s wrestling skills ahead of Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev has lost only once in his 29-fight professional MMA career and the UFC welterweight champion has picked up 13 victories through submission.
Despite the Dagestan-born fighter’s sublime wrestling skills, Paddy Pimblett has turned his attention to talented UFC heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson.
Gable Steveson, a five-time All-American in collegiate wrestling, has been training under the tutelage of future UFC Hall of Famer Jon Jones in his fledgling MMA run.
Pimblett released his YouTube vlog from UFC 329 and Steveson did not pass up the opportunity to probe the Liverpool-born fighter’s praise for his MMA abilities.
“Can I ask you a question? They asked if you could have someone’s skill set, did you say me?” Steveson asked Pimblett.
Pimblett subsequently responded: “Yeah, you’re wrestling? F—— hell, lad. I wish I could wrestle like you. You know that.”
Responding to Pimblett’s latest praise, Steveson added: “I appreciate that — thanks for saying that!”
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Gable Steveson’s early impact in MMA after the Olympian linked up with UFC icon Jon Jones
Gable Steveson signed for the UFC back in April and the heavyweight freestyle wrestler made his debut in Dana White’s organisation earlier this month.
The 26-year-old former WWE wrestler secured a stunning first-round knockout victory over Elisha Ellison at UFC 329 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Steveson is also signed with Real American Freestyle and the emerging UFC…
2026-07-31 04:59:00
