Bobby Green has expressed doubt over Paddy Pimblett‘s callout for a fight at UFC 300, questioning the authenticity of the challenge and suggesting it would be a bad fight for Pimblett.
Bobby Green’s reaction to Paddy Pimblett’s callout for UFC 300? A mix of disbelief and intrigue.
When first asked about Pimblett, Green was taken aback. Pimblett had named him as a potential opponent if he managed to defeat ex-champ Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. Green’s response? “He really said that?”
This was during the UFC Austin media day, where Green was gearing up for his fight with Jalin Turner. He recalled how someone had sent him the news via Instagram. But, like many of us, he was skeptical. “Man, did they make this up, just put the words in?” he wondered. “I don’t know who is telling the truth, but I’m like, bro, there’s no way he called me out.”
Green and Pimblett are linked through their fights with Ferguson. Green had fought and defeated Ferguson in July at UFC 291. The victory, which marked Ferguson’s sixth straight loss, came as a surprise to many. Green had managed to submit the seasoned veteran.
Now, Pimblett, who’s on a four-fight winning streak, stands between Ferguson and a record for consecutive UFC losses. Green, meanwhile, is enjoying a two-fight winning streak of his own.
Green, however, doubts Pimblett’s sincerity. He doesn’t believe Pimblett would risk his UFC momentum by challenging him. “Paddy knows that’s a bad fight for him,” Green stated. “He don’t want that. He’s just talking. Until he starts walking, get through Tony and then we’ll talk. But Paddy doesn’t want that. That would be a bad fight for him.”
As for Ferguson’s chances of winning (he’s a +200 underdog on current betting lines), Green is optimistic. Ferguson has been training with ex-Navy SEAL David Goggins, which Green thinks could prove beneficial. “I feel like Tony is going to start pulling something out closer to the third, closer to that second and third round,” Green predicted.
He added, “He pushes a good pace, comes really hard, can take good shots. So if Paddy doesn’t get him on the ground, try to do some jiu-jitsu, I see Tony getting him. Tony hits pretty good, too.”
As for the UFC Austin event? It’s set to take place this Saturday at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, and will air on ESPN+.