Paddy Pimblett improves to 2-0 inside the octagon at UFC London

Co-headlining the event is Dan Hooker’s return to the featherweight division, as he takes on No. 7 ranked Arnold Allen.

Our feature fight of the night came in the lightweight division between Cage Warriors champ-champ Paddy Pimblett, who performs in his sophomore effort tonight against Rodrigo Vargas.

Continue reading to see how this epic lightweight contest went down:

Official Result: Paddy Pimblett def. Rodrigo Vargas via submission (rear naked choke) at 3:49 of round one

Vargas comes straight at Pimblett once the bout starts, swinging heavily and bullying him down to the mat. He then remains on top while keeping Pimblett immobile, his strength advantage is very evident right now.

Pimblett is able to make his way back up however but is still being controlled along the cage.

Next comes a beautiful hip toss by Pimblett, and he immediately proceeds to take the back. After some adjusting, he’s able to sink in a rear naked choke for a late first round finish.

Paddy Pimblett earns the first round submission win over Kazula Vargas at #UFCLondon pic.twitter.com/HMdyM1QHth

— MMA mania (@mmamania) March 19, 2022

Paddy Pimblett is now 18-3 as a professional, and he’s now 2-0 inside the octagon with two first round finishes.

Ilia Topuria just finished Jai Herbert tonight after a tough start, and Pimblett does the same. Though he lost merely the entire fight, he’s able to capitalize and show us why he’s one of the brightest young prospects in the sport.

Topuria called Pimblett out after his win, as they had a scuffle behind the scenes earlier this week. Who doesn’t want to see that matchup between two dangerous finishers?