Longtime UFC commentator Jon Anik has identified notable similarities between two of the promotion`s burgeoning stars, Paddy Pimblett and Ian Machado Garry. Anik suggests that despite their different career trajectories—with Garry poised to headline UFC Kansas City and Pimblett fresh off a significant victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314—they share a common experience regarding public perception.
Anik observes that both fighters often face scrutiny or focus on aspects outside of their performance within the octagon. He attributes this partly to “selective memory” regarding opponents` previous performances, citing the reception to Pimblett`s win over Chandler as an example. For Anik, the comparison to Garry stems from how fans sometimes prioritize non-martial arts elements when discussing these athletes.
“For whatever reason, people focus on things other than the martial arts athlete when it comes to these two guys,” Anik stated. He contrasts this with his own approach, which is centered on identifying potential world champions. Anik keeps detailed notes on fighters he believes in, like Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. He believes many fans get sidetracked by things like Pimblett`s appearance, past controversial results (like the Jared Gordon fight), or perceived skill gaps, rather than focusing on his evolution as a fighter.
Anik highlighted Pimblett`s positive attributes: coming to the UFC at the right time in his development, his desire to use legal striking techniques like 12-to-6 elbows, his inherent “mean streak,” and how having children has significantly boosted his discipline and motivation—a contrast, Anik noted, to fighters like Sean O`Malley whose motivation didn`t change after becoming a father. Anik firmly believes, “Paddy Pimblett’s a real problem.”
Following his win, Pimblett has made it clear he is targeting top contenders, notably calling out Charles Oliveira, in a bid to secure a title shot. Anik respects this ambition, suggesting he wouldn`t blame Pimblett for leveraging the Chandler victory to push for a championship opportunity, especially given the current landscape in the lightweight division where champion Islam Makhachev lacks an obvious next opponent.
Anik sees potential in such a high-stakes matchup, even labeling Paddy Pimblett vs. Charles Oliveira as a potential “dream fight,” placing it alongside anticipated clashes like Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis. He questions the perceived “downside” of such a fight for Pimblett, arguing that even a loss wouldn`t necessarily derail his career significantly unless he were completely overwhelmed. Anik brought up Ian Garry as a parallel example, noting that he felt Garry had a strong case for a title shot against Belal Muhammad at one point, questioning why that opportunity didn`t materialize, drawing a link back to the broader point about how opportunities and perceptions differ for certain rising fighters.
