Paddy Pimblett has revealed an unexpected connection that puts him on both sides of one of MMA’s great rivalries. The Paddy Pimblett Daniel Cormier friendship is well established, but a new video reveals something more. Pimblett also shares real admiration for Cormier’s old rival, Jon Jones.
The story emerged in footage from Pimblett’s YouTube channel during UFC 329 fight week. He described meeting Jones years earlier and called him one of the greatest fighters ever. Pimblett joked he felt like he was playing both sides of the rivalry.
What Pimblett Actually Revealed in the Video
Pimblett 24-4-0 shared the story in a video covering his UFC 329 build-up week. He said he first met Jon Jones many years earlier. That meeting happened the same weekend he got a photo taken with legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer.
Pimblett said he felt like he was playing both sides given his closeness with Daniel Cormier. He was quick to clarify that his friendship with Cormier has nothing to do with his respect for Jones. He called Jones one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever produced.
Why Pimblett Rates Jon Jones So Highly
Pimblett explained his admiration for Jones in simple terms during the video. He said that when everyone calls someone the GOAT, they must be doing something right as a fighter. That sentiment echoes comments Pimblett has made about Jones on multiple previous occasions.
Pimblett has named Jones his personal pick for greatest fighter of all time in past interviews. He has pointed to Jones beating three separate generations of light heavyweight contenders as proof. His respect for Jones long predates this specific UFC 329 story.
The Cormier-Jones Rivalry That Makes This Interesting
Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones shared one of the most heated rivalries in UFC history. Cormier lost to Jones twice, with one of those results later overturned to a no contest. Pimblett’s closeness with Cormier makes his open admiration for Jones a genuinely interesting dynamic.
Pimblett did not suggest any tension in maintaining both relationships at once. He simply acknowledged the irony of respecting both men given their shared history. That kind of even-handed respect for rival legends is genuinely uncommon among current UFC fighters today.
Where This Fits Into Pimblett’s Current UFC Run
The story comes during a strong stretch for Pimblett both in and out of the cage. He submitted Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 in his most recent outing. That win put him firmly back into the lightweight title conversation after his first career loss.
Pimblett continues to build his public profile through content like this beyond his fights inside the cage. His next fight remains unconfirmed as he waits on the division’s next move. Stories like this one keep him firmly in the conversation regardless of his booking status.
Final Thoughts
The Paddy Pimblett Daniel Cormier friendship remains genuine and well documented in public. His admiration for Jon Jones adds real nuance to that ongoing story right now. Both relationships appear to coexist without any real conflict between them at all.
