The British fighters went head-to-head in a unique crossover session, swapping techniques before Pimblett showed just how good he is on the canvas
Paddy Pimblett choked out heavyweight boxing star Anthony Joshua in a one-of-a-kind crossover training session.
The ‘Baddy’ is known for his vicious ground-game and ability to render opponents unconscious with his lethal chokes, while Joshua’s destructive one-punch knockout power has seen him conquer the heavyweight division on multiple occasions.
Throughout the years, the combat sports fraternity has wondered how boxers would fare in the world of mixed martial arts. Holly Holm – a former boxing world champion – most notably made the switch to MMA after a glittering career inside the ring. The ‘Preacher’s Daughter’ famously shocked the world when she knocked out Ronda Rousey to claim the UFC bantamweight title in 2015.
Former three-division champion James Toney also had a stint inside the Octagon – but it was short-lived. The ‘Dark Emperor’ tapped out to Randy Couture in his sole UFC appearance back in 2010. Despite Joshua’s success as a professional boxer, he swapped the squared-circle for the cage during a recent session with Pimblett.
During a recent crossover session with Under Armour, the pair swapped techniques, shared how to be a problem for their opponents and what it takes to dominate at the top. In a video uploaded by the popular sportswear brand, the ‘Baddy’ – a Brazilian jiu-jitsu expert- can be seen taking down Joshua – who is nearly 45kg heavier than him – and putting him in a chokehold.
Pimblett was coaching Joshua the choke he used en route to his victory over Michael Chandler back in April. “If I was fighting you, I would not be out here getting my head jabbed off,” said Pimblett during their exchange on the mat. “So I go single leg. I lift your leg up and then rotate my hips. You are not just going to lie there, you are going to try and get up. I take you back. So I control your wrist, other arm comes around your head, and I put my chin over it and just.”
But before Pimblett could explain any further, Joshua was seemingly on the verge of being choked out before the Liverpool native eventually let go of the grip. “That is mad innit? If you done that properly, I reckon I could get out,” Joshua laughed. The heavyweight boxer seemingly has no desire to step in the cage anytime soon, though, stating: “First time I have been in the cage. I just said to myself, ‘this ain’t for me.'”
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Joshua did not come away empty-handed, though, as he shared elite-level boxing tactics to help sharpen Pimblett’s stand-up game. Should the Liverpool star use ‘AJ’s’ tips going forward, the ‘Baddy’ could end up becoming an all-round behemoth – a scary sight for anyone in the lightweight division.
The interaction was hosted by broadcaster David Alorka, and the two fighters also sat down for a candid conversation about mindset, motivation and what it means to be an athlete. “When you are champion, there’s nothing better than living it. Because there’ll be a time when you look back and you’ll realise that was probably the best times of your life,” said Joshua. “So, while you’re on this journey to the top, own that!”
While Pimblett added: “I am just 100% confident about everything all the time. I am the opposite of a pessimist. I think Liverpool are going to win everything, I think my teammates are going to win every fight they ever have. I think I am going to beat every single person that’s put in front of me. It’s just built into me.”
When is the next UFC fight?
Tom Aspinall will face Ciryl Gane on October 25 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The pair’s clash will headline the UFC 321 pay-per-view card. Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also compete at the event – seemingly for the number one heavyweight contender spot.
A light-heavyweight showdown between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has also been announced, while Mitch Raposo will take on Azat Maksum. The co-main event sees Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern going head-to-head for the vacant women’s strawweight title. The broadcast of the preliminary card will be available for TNT Sports subscribers to watch on TNT Sports 4 and on TNT Sports Box Office for anyone to watch in the UK and Ireland from 5pm (12pm ET / 9am PT / 11am CT).
The main card is scheduled to get underway at 7pm UK time (2pm ET / 11am PT / 1pm CT). In the main event, expect Gane to make the walk to the cage first at around 9:30pm UK time (4:30pm ET / 1:30pm PT / 3:30pm) with Aspinall to follow immediately after. The timings of all fights are subject to change and will depend on how long the undercard takes to complete. Fans in the UK and Ireland can watch the main card exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office at a cost of £19.99.