Paddy Pimblett claims upcoming opponent's story will help raise mental health awareness but feels bad about having to "KO" him at UFC 282

Paddy Pimblett recently showered praise on Jared Gordon for being vocal about his mental health struggles and his efforts towards the cause. Gordon is also Pimblett's next opponent, as the two lightweights are set to face each other at UFC 282.

In a recent interview on Pub Talk with Alan Brazil and Ray Parlour, Pimblett was asked for his opinion on his next opponent. The 27-year-old stated that he's looking forward to raising awareness about men's mental health with Gordon, but was sorry about having to "knock him out."

"I actually feel bad because I think I'm going to knock him out in the first round."

When asked how he felt about facing someone he liked, Pimblett stated:

"Obviously you don't want to hurt them, but he's going to try and hurt me. So it's that simple... I'm going to try and hurt him before he has the chance to. I'm going to come out and finish him fast. I'm not messing about."

Watch Paddy Pimblett's full Pub Talk episode below:

'The Baddy' will face 'Flash' at UFC 282 on December 10 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The lightweights will feature in the co-main event of the evening, owing to Jiri Prochazka pulling out of the planned main event due to an injury and the promotion shifting the already scheduled bout between Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev to the headline slot.

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Paddy Pimblett calls Jared Gordon a "crab" and promises a "clean" knockout at UFC 282

Paddy Pimblett has become one of the fastest-rising stars in the UFC and the 27-year-old Scouser has amassed a large fan base ever since his debut. He will feature in the co-main event of UFC 282 against Jared Gordon.

'The Baddy' recently gave his predictions on his fight against 'Flash' and stated that he will find a finish on December 10. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pimblett stated:

"Just a little breakdown of this crab I'm fighting. He tries to pitter-patter his way to a win, I try and knock you clean out with one shot, and that's what I'm gonna do...[My training partner] is like a similar build, similar height, throws similar shots to Jared Gordon, who as you know, I'm fighting. He's getting bingo'd, watch."

Watch Paddy Pimblett's full YouTube vlog episode below:

The 27-year-old Liverpool native is coming off a win against Jordan Leavitt via second-round submission, taking his UFC record to 3-0. Meanwhile, Gordon is coming off a victory over veteran Leonardo Santos and is now 4-1 in his last five fights.