UFC Bantamweight Champion Sean O'Malley looks to be extremely high on Paddy Pimblett's lightweight title chances following this past weekend.
Pimblett was among the most prominent names in action at the UFC 304 pay-per-view, which took place in front of his home crowd at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.
Off the back of decision wins over Jared Gordon and Tony Ferguson, and amid plenty of doubt regarding his ability to compete with the best at 155 pounds, "The Baddy" had his first shot at cracking the rankings opposite King Green.
Against the odds and expectations of many, Pimblett made good on his promise to dispatch Green with ease, capitalizing on the American veteran's ill-advised takedown attempt by locking in a triangle choke to put him unconscious.
The result impressed most and has left Pimblett closer to his goal of touching gold on MMA's biggest stage. And while that target remains a considerable distance and plenty of major victories away, O'Malley isn't writing the Liverpool native off...
O'Malley Lauds Pimblett's Home Win At UFC 304
During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, O'Malley reacted live to the major matchups that played out in the UK this past weekend.
"Sugar" appeared impressed when Pimblett choked Green out cold, and he proved as much by suggesting that the Brit's improvements could pave the way for a possible title crowning down the line.
Paddy is f*cking focused, ready to go. Got two kids now. He does have skills, he does have f*cking good skills," O'Malley said. "He's out! He put him to sleep! Paddy just put Bobby to sleep! ... That was f*cking beautiful. Damn, he's still sleeping.
That was sick, bro. Good for him. He answered a lot of questions," O'Malley continued. "I guess I don't know how good Bobby's jiu-jitsu is. I've always thought of him as a f*cking brawler, but for Paddy to do that to a guy like Bobby Green is huge. It's a massive win. ... Paddy called out Renato Moicano. ... Paddy could definitely be — I mean, if he wins the right fights, he could be champ.
For now, Pimblett will be keeping a close eye on Tuesday's rankings update before turning his attention to the upcoming Paris showdown between Moicano and Benoît Saint Denis on September 28.