Paddy Pimblett publicly criticized Mateusz Gamrot's recent matchmaking, pointing out that Gamrot has fought unranked opponents twice in his last three bouts despite being ranked in the top ten himself. Pimblett suggested this pattern reflects Gamrot's lack of popularity and fan interest. He characterized Gamrot as a boring fighter, implying this is the reason for his underwhelming matchups. The post includes a poll asking whether Gamrot deserves better opponents or if the current matchmaking is justified due to his fighting style. Pimblett's comments appear aimed at questioning Gamrot's draw and marketability within the UFC.
Paddy Pimblett took aim at fellow lightweight Mateusz Gamrot on social media, publicly questioning Gamrot's matchmaking and marketability in a pointed critique posted on April 13, 2026.
Pimblett, ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division, carries a 23-4 record and fights out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool. The 31-year-old Englishman has built a reputation as one of the promotion's more colorful personalities, and his numbers back up an aggressive style — he lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and averages 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Gamrot, ranked tenth at lightweight, holds a 26-4 record and trains out of American Top Team. The 35-year-old Polish fighter is one of the division's more accomplished grapplers, averaging an impressive 5.15 takedowns per 15 minutes. He lands 3.29 significant strikes per minute at 51 percent accuracy, operating from a southpaw stance with a 70-inch reach.
Pimblett's criticism centered on Gamrot's recent opponents, pointing out that the Polish contender has faced unranked competition in two of his last three bouts despite sitting inside the top ten. Pimblett framed this as a symptom of limited fan appeal, characterizing Gamrot as a boring fighter and suggesting the underwhelming matchups reflect his inability to draw interest. The post also included a poll asking fans whether Gamrot deserves higher-ranked opposition or whether the current matchmaking is appropriate given his fighting style.
Why it matters
- Gamrot sits four spots below Pimblett in the rankings, making this a pointed rebuke from a higher-ranked divisional rival
- The criticism puts a spotlight on how the UFC balances fight-making between rankings merit and marketability
- A stylistic contrast exists between Pimblett's submission-heavy, high-volume striking approach and Gamrot's wrestling-dominant game, which could fuel further friction between the two camps
