Paddy Pimblett acknowledged that he was not the biggest crowd favourite at the event, conceding that Conor McGregor's presence on the same card meant he had to settle for the second-loudest ovation. Pimblett said he was still pleased with the reception he received from fans.
Paddy Pimblett has admitted that Conor McGregor outshone him in the crowd-reception stakes at their shared event on July 10, 2026, with the Liverpool fighter conceding he had to settle for the second-loudest ovation of the night. Pimblett was quick to add, however, that he remained happy with the warmth fans showed him on the night.
Pimblett, 31, holds a professional record of 23 wins and 4 losses and is currently ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division. Fighting out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, the orthodox striker has built a reputation as one of the sport's most entertaining performers, landing 5.49 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate, while averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a figure that underlines his attacking instincts on the ground.
McGregor, 37, needs little introduction when it comes to drawing a crowd. The Irishman from SBG Ireland carries a 22-6-0 record and has long been among the sport's biggest box-office names. Standing five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach, the southpaw connects at 5.32 significant strikes per minute and has a striking accuracy of 49 percent across his career.
Why it matters
- Both fighters share a flair for showmanship and fan engagement, making any card they appear on together a natural magnet for noise and attention.
- McGregor's enduring star power is underscored by the fact that even a ranked lightweight contender like Pimblett — himself one of the division's most popular figures — acknowledged coming second in the reception stakes.
- For Pimblett, currently sitting at number six in the lightweight rankings, maintaining a high public profile remains important as he pushes toward a title shot.
