5 reasons why Paddy Pimblett could surpass Conor McGregor's popularity in the UFC

#4. Pimblett takes mental health seriously

Israel Adesanya once stated that no one teaches fighters how to handle the pressures of fame. Perhaps no tale in MMA can be used as a cautionary tale more than Conor McGregor's downward spiral upon achieving superstardom. While the Irishman remains popular, his numerous scandals outside the cage have turned away a percentage of fight fans who once supported him.

The sexual assault allegations, physical assaults, etc. were so threatening to McGregor's image that 'The Notorious' was forced to behave in an uncharacteristically polite manner in his bout with Donald Cerrone and his initial rematch with Dustin Poirier. Paddy Pimblett, however, is unlikely to repeat the same mistakes that McGregor has, partly due to 'The Baddy' being able to examine McGregor's career to determine what to do and what not to do.

Furthermore, given the importance that Pimblett puts on mental health, as evidenced by his post-fight interview at UFC Fight Night 208, 'The Baddy' will be better equipped to keep himself from suffering a downward spiral that might damage his reputation and lose him fans.

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#3. He is unique

While Conor McGregor is one of the UFC's most recognizable faces due to his brand of brutal trash talk and peacocking persona, the Irishman is not entirely inimitable. Much of McGregor's swagger and persona can be traced to the likes of Vince McMahon, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Muhammad Ali.

'The Notorious' was not the first UFC fighter to wear a well-tailored suit and indoor sunglasses, nor was he the first to use biting trash talk to promote his bouts. He is merely the most successful mixed martial artist to do so. Paddy Pimblett, on the other hand, is a different beast altogether.

'The Baddy' sports a haircut that is uniquely his in the sport of MMA. Hardly anyone would be able to highlight another high-profile fighter, if any, who wore a bowl-cut in the UFC. Not only does his hairstyle render him uniquely identifiable, but so does his overall persona.

Pimblett is comical, whereas many UFC fighters take themselves far too seriously — McGregor included. While Paddy Pimblett is purposely funny due to his intentionally outlandish behavior, 'The Notorious' would only draw laughs with outlandish remarks he was serious about. Pimblett, by contrast, is a breath of fresh air.