Theres something Paddy Pimblett has always wanted to do.
The #9-ranked UFC lightweight contender has Ilia Topuria in his sights, facing off with the champion in the Octagon after his first-round knockout over Charles Oliveira in June.
UFC CEO Dana White wasnt a fan of the fiery face-off and its likely Paddy Pimblett has to fight again to earn his title opportunity.
Along with undisputed UFC gold, the former Cage Warriors Champion recently revealed another dream of his.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC Born in 1995, Pimblett says hed love to fight like they did back in the 90s.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship began in 1993 with a one-night tournament format.
At UFC 1, we saw Royce Gracie fight and win three times in one night when there were no gloves, hardly any rules, and no time limit.
With fighter safety in mind, UFC 23 marked the final UFC event in 1999 to use a one-night tournament format.
I didnt start fighting pro MMA until like 2012, 2013, Pimblett said on the Chattin Pony Podcast.
Ive always wanted to do a one-night tournament, always, Pimblett revealed.
But now it doesnt happen& I wish they would. I wish theyd do a tournament. Id love to have three fights in one night or even just two, but they just dont do it anymore.
Its just unheard of, Pimblett said of one-night tournaments where fighters compete multiple times.
Former Strikeforce and PRIDE Champion Dan Henderson knows a thing or two about fighting three times in one night.
In the year 2000, Henderson won all three of his fights to win a title in Japan. Prior to this, Henderson had fought twice in one night on three different occasions.
The retired Henderson claims the UFC could potentially revive the tournament format if they really wanted to.
It would be nice for them, Henderson told Pimblett.
They could easily do it. It might not happen in America, but other countries would allow it.
I dont know why they wouldnt allow it here, Henderson said of the United States.
They do it kinda that way in The Ultimate Fighter, they only have two rounds, possible three. Thats how that tournament I was in was&
Dan Henderson Paddy Pimblett UFC
