Gilbert Burns praises Paddy Pimblett: ‘The guy is serious’

Paddy Pimblett may still be winning over some of the UFC fanbase, but one seasoned UFC contender says the Liverpudlian’s skills are worthy of respect.

UFC welterweight contender Gilbert Burns appeared as a guest on Quinton “Rampage” Jackson’s Jaxxon Podcast, and praised the former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, who defeated Tony Ferguson at UFC 276 in December 2023.

“I think he’s still super young and he’s going through the test,” Burns explained.

“He’s undefeated in the UFC. He beat a couple good guys – Jared Gordon and now Tony.”

Burns said that Ferguson remains a legend of the game, and explained how “El Cucuy” still warrants respect as he still has the skills and the ability to punish you inside the Octagon.

“Tony, unfortunately, is not the Tony that we all like. I’m still a fan of the guy and I think he’s a freaking legend, but he’s kind of going down now,” said Burns.

“But the guy showed up because Tony is like the old guy, the old shark – if he smells that blood, if he sees it, he’s going to take it.

“I think the guy fought very good. Like I said, (Pimblett) still needs to get tested. I still think that he needs to get to that point that’s like, let’s see what he’s going to do on that last round. He lost the first one, lost the second one and let’s see now.

“I still want to see those guys tested, but still very young. (He has) good jiu-jitsu. When I was in the UK, I was training with him. The guy is serious. He takes it super serious. Good guy, trains hard, I think, but still got to be tested a little bit.

“Four months ago when I was in the UK, he was already in shape. I think slowly he’s learning. And yeah – he’s legit. He’s still very young, but he’s a legit fighter.”