UFC lightweight veteran King Green hasn’t liked a number of things he’s seen from upcoming opponent Paddy Pimblett in recent years.
Green and Pimblett are tasked with setting the stage for the two title fights that will top the lineup at this weekend’s UFC 304 pay-per-view event, which goes down inside the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.
While the 37-year-old Californian remained in the rankings courtesy of his victory over Jim Miller at UFC 300 this past April, Saturday’s clash marks “The Baddy’s” first opportunity to crack the divisional top 15.
The matchup itself has been a while in the making, with Green first addressing a possible showdown with the Liverpool native while recording him on Instagram Live while both were in attendance at a UFC event back in 2022.
And when it comes to his desire to throw down with Pimblett, Green has his reasons…
Green: ‘Spoiled’ Pimblett Has Gotten ‘Drunk Off Of Winning’
During a fight week interview with Adam Catterall for TNT Sports, Green looked ahead to his latest Octagon appearance, which marks his 50th fight as a professional mixed martial artist.
Explaining why he set his sights on sharing the cage with Pimblett a number of years ago, King took aim at “The Baddy’s” attitude and how he’s handled winning on the sport’s biggest stage.
The American specifically highlighted his opponent’s back and forth with renowned reporter Ariel Helwani, who claimed Pimblett had requested payment for an interview in late 2022.
“I said his name first. I just felt like Paddy was the brash, mouthy, spoiled kid,” Green said. “There’s a lot of guys that want the same opportunities as he’s gotten. He’s got his own podcast, I heard (he got) a million dollars for his own podcast, and to do this, and then he’s asking Ariel to pay him (for interviews)! Ariel doesn’t even pay Conor (McGregor), so why would he pay you?!
“It’s like, certain guys don’t realize you’re the kid. Now that you’re in that position, you’re mistreating it,” Green continued. “All you have to do is be happy, smile, and then the whole world is yours kid. They’ll give you all the right fights; they’re taking care of you. Man, he’s just acting spoiled. He thinks he’s the sh*t. He’s gotten drunk off of winning.”
With those beliefs in mind, Green will be looking to hand Pimblett a reality check come fight night in Manchester this weekend.
“The Baddy,” on the other hand, has promised to deliver an emphatic and violent performance that will reverse the apparent change of heart many fans have had about him owing to the Tony Ferguson and Jared Gordon bouts.
