UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett has doubled down on his blistering criticism of Kiwi veteran Dan Hooker and opened up on a potential future showdown with featherweight kingpin Alex Volkanovski.
Pimblett, who squares off with Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in just over a week, has been embroiled in an ugly war of words with Hooker over social media.
UFC 324: Gaethje vs Pimblett | SUN 25 JAN 1PM AEDT | Justin Gaethje faces Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight championship. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.
The feud began when the Brit took aim at Hooker’s grappling while talking about top contender Arman Tsarukyan.
“Dan Hooker couldn’t grapple a f**king rapist off his ma,” he told MMA Guru.
The remark didn’t go unnoticed by Kiwi, who hit back at The Baddy over social media.
On X, he posted: “It’s on site u fat b*tch.”
But the feud took a darker turn when Hooker referenced a friend of Pimblett’s who died by suicide in 2022.
Pimblett – a vocal advocate for mental health awareness – branded the comment “lowest of the low” and made it clear he’d be willing to fight Hooker if their paths ever cross.
“F**k him,” Pimblett told Fox Sports Australia on Thursday.
“I’ve had people from Liverpool asking if he’s coming this week because they were going to batter him.
“So, he’s lucky that he’s fighting next week and he’s not here because he would have got jumped by about 60 Scousers.”
When asked if he’d like to settle things in the Octagon, Pimblett didn’t hold back.
“Yeah, but he’s beneath me,” he said.
“He’s an absolute crab.
“He’s 5-5 in his last ten. He’s a bum. People call Michael Chandler washed, I beat him.
“Michael Chandler knocked Dan Hooker out in two minutes.
“What’s Dan Hooker if Michael Chandler’s washed? What’s Dan Hooker?”
Elsewhere, Pimblett had kinder words for Volkanovski, suggesting the Australian champ could move up to lightweight to take him on – provided they both win their next title bouts.
The Wollongong icon is gearing up to headline UFC 325 in Sydney on February 1, taking on Diego Lopes in a rematch of their clash from last year.
“I don’t want to fight Volk,” Pimblett explained.
“I really like Volk. He’s one of the nicest men I’ve ever met in my life.
“I’m a fan of Volk, but I just thought, hypothetically, that Volk would probably think that I am the easiest chance for him to become a lightweight champion and a double champ.
“Because obviously he lost to Ilia [Topuria], but I think if he hadn’t taken the fight so soon he wouldn’t have got beat there. I think if he has a rematch he wins.
“But, I think he looks at that and thinks that Paddy could be an easier fight than Ilia. An easier fight than Arman.
“Like everyone thinks — because everyone underestimates me.
“But as I said, I’d rather not fight him. He’s one of the nicest blokes in MMA ever, but I just thought hypothetically it could be something he wants to do if he wants to become double champ before he retires.”
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For now, Pimblett’s sights are firmly on Gaethje. If he comes out on top, his next mission is clear: face the lightweight champ.
Topuria remains on a break from UFC competition as he takes time away from the cage to address personal issues.
“When I win the belt I want Topuria,” he said.
“I want to unify it. I want to beat the champion to become the undisputed champion.
“We will see what happens. But if not him, Arman – shut that little posh fart up.
‘It’s different’ – Lopes on Volk rematch | 05:22
“Or, the winner of Max [Holloway] and Charles [Oliveira].
“Two legends going at it there – I’d love to fight another legend.”