Paddy Pimblett has opened up about his post-fight tribute to Diogo Jota and André Silva following his appearance at UFC 329. The British lightweight addressed the gesture publicly, shedding light on the meaning behind the tribute.
Paddy Pimblett has spoken publicly about the tribute he made following his performance at UFC 329 on July 11, explaining the personal significance behind the gesture honoring Liverpool footballer Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva.
Pimblett, who competes out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, addressed the tribute in the aftermath of the event, shedding light on what prompted him to dedicate the moment to the two men. The 31-year-old Englishman did not shy away from discussing the emotional weight behind the public display.
The British fighter currently holds a record of 24 wins and 4 losses in the lightweight division, where he sits ranked sixth in the world. Standing five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach, Pimblett has built his reputation as one of the more active and aggressive strikers in the 155-pound class, averaging 5.48 significant strikes landed per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate. He also presents a persistent submission threat, averaging 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes of fighting time.
Why it matters
- Pimblett is one of the most prominent British figures in the UFC, and his public statements carry wide reach beyond the sport
- His connection to Liverpool places him within a community directly affected by the tragedy surrounding Jota and Silva
- The gesture adds a human dimension to his UFC 329 appearance that extends well beyond the divisional rankings picture
As a sixth-ranked lightweight, Pimblett remains firmly in the conversation for a future title shot, and his profile inside and outside the cage continues to grow. His willingness to speak openly about the tribute underscores the broader cultural moment the gesture represented for supporters of both Liverpool FC and the sport of MMA.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
