In the co-main event of UFC 282, we saw the next step up in competition for one of the hottest young stars inside the octagon. England’s Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (19-3) was looking to continue his rise up the ranks as he took on Jared “Flash” Gordon (19-5).
This was a huge moment for both men and a huge stage for this fight. Gordon last fought against Leonardo Santos and picked up a huge win. He wasn’t going to be intimidated by the competition or the stage of UFC 282. He was looking to derail the Paddy The Baddy hype train tonight.
Pimblett has stormed onto the UFC scene winning his first three fights and all by finish. As entertaining he is inside the octagon, he’s just as entertaining on the mic. Tonight was a big step up in competition and he was looking to show the world that he was ready for it.
UFC 282 Recap
Round 1
The UFC 282 co-main event kicked off with a touch of the gloves. Pimblett immediately starts with pressure. Combination from Pimblett just misses and then a head kick. Right hand from Pimblett and then a clean left counter lands for Gordon.
Pimblett doing a good job of holding the center here. Another clean counter left from Gordon and that got Pimblett’s attention. A couple of kicks now from Pimblett. He still looks relaxed but he got cracked by Gordon. They trade leg kicks in the center.
Another nice left hook from Gordon. He’s landing it every time he throws. 1-2 now from Pimblett and Gordon cracks him with a counter right. Big leg kick from Pimblett. Long combination finished by a kick from Pimblett. Another nasty calf kick from Pimblett.
Front kick now from Pimblett and he ups the pressure. However, he’s clipped with another clean left from Gordon. Nasty combination now from Pimblett and again a left from Gordon. Both men just stand in the pocket and throw huge shots.
Calf kick from Pimblett and he shoots for a takedown. Gordon ends up on top and the round comes to a close. Very close round, but I feel like the judges will give the first to Pimblett at UFC 282.
Round 2
Entering the second and Jared Gordon definitely got Pimblett’s attention in the first at UFC 282. High kick attempt from Pimblett starts the striking in the second. Nasty calf kick from Pimblett. Front kick and then a left high kick from Pimblett. Gordon really upping the pressure after those kicks.
Uppercut from Pimblett lands and Gordon is really pressuring heavy here. Huge body shot from Pimblett and Gordon shoots for a takedown. Pimblett nearly gets a choke, but Gordon powers through it. Gordon gets to his feet and pushes Pimblett against the fence.
Gordon just leaning on Pimblett here against the fence. They break and Gordon lands a clean right. Now a huge right from Pimblett and a left from Gordon. Right hand from Gordon and he’s really upping the pressure. Takedown attempt from Gordon.
Heavy cage pressure here from Gordon. They break and Pimblett lands a big combination. Both men are throwing heat in the pocket. Eye poke causes a pause in the action. Combination from Pimblett and a big right. Pimblett lands again to end the round. Boy, this could be anyone’s fight at UFC 282.
Round 3
Entering the final round and this could be anyone’s fight at UFC 282. They touch gloves and here we go. Gordon is fighting with pressure to start the final frame. Immediate takedown attempt from Gordon and he gets a brief takedown.
Gordon gets the back of Pimblett and he’s leaning on him here. One minute already gone in the final round. Pimblett needs to breakaway here because Gordon is just controlling him here. Two minutes gone and there’s virtually nothing happening here.
A couple of knees from Pimblett. Gordon is doing nothing but holding him against the fence here. The crowd is loudly booing. More knees from Pimblett. Pimblett breaks away and Gordon goes right back to pressing Pimblett against the fence. He’s just holding him here.
A scramble and now Pimblett gets the back of Gordon. Still nothing happening here. Knee from Pimblett and he throws a couple of shots. The round ends and who knows who will take this one at UFC 282.
Paddy Pimblett def. Jared Gordon by Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)