Paddy Pimblett isn’t done messing around.
After nearly baring it all at the official weigh-ins Friday morning, Pimblett had one more trick up his sleeve ahead of his fight with Jordan Leavitt, which takes place at UFC London on Saturday at O2 Arena. The two were all smiles after stepping on stage at the ceremonial weigh-ins, but Pimblett left Leavitt hanging when it looked like they might shake hands.
Watch Pimblett do the handshake gag in the video above.
Pimblett wasn’t the only fan favorite to put on a show during face-offs. Blue-chip flyweight prospect Muhammad Mokaev gave opponent Charles Johnson a tap on the shoulder that was not appreciated, which led to a brief, but harmless scuffle:
HEATED!
It took @MuhammadMokaev just 60 seconds in March, he’ll be looking for an encore vs. @InnerGMMA at #UFCLondon! pic.twitter.com/IoK4t81tDL
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 22, 2022
And Scotland’s Paul Craig was arguably the most intense fighter at the ceremony as he marched right towards opponent Volkan Oezdemir and got in the one-time light heavyweight title challenger’s face.
He’s chasing a hat trick of #UFCLondon triangles!
@PCraigMMA ALWAYS brings the fire and it’ll be no different against @Volkan_Oezdemir! #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/kaWnAwkcIq
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 22, 2022
Heavyweight Headliners Tom Aspinall & Curtis Blaydes had an amicable face-off. Both sounded more concerned with entertaining fans than any personal drama.
Expect action @RazorBlaydes265 vs @AspinallMMA
[ #UFCLondon | Tomorrow | Main Card 3pmET | LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/O7t8A8IkZw
— UFC (@ufc) July 22, 2022
” These fans can look forward to an exciting matchup between Curtis and me at heavyweight,” Aspinall stated. “This guy’s a beast, I’m a beast, it’s going to be a good fight. Everyone better be ready for it.”
“I’m feeling good,” Blaydes followed. Blaydes said, “I’m happy to be here. “Happy to participate in another major event, and to present a show tomorrow evening