In the world of mixed martial arts, accolades such as Submission of the Year evoke intense discussions, particularly when high-profile fighters are involved. Recently, Paddy Pimblett stirred the pot by questioning the merit of UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev’s submission victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 302. Makhachev’s fifth-round D’Arce choke secured his third title defense, but Pimblett believes the significance of this accomplishment has been overstated, citing Poirier’s prior struggles with submissions.
Pimblett, who recently achieved his own noteworthy success by submitting King Green at UFC 304, brings a unique lens to this conversation. In a candid commentary on his YouTube channel, he acknowledged Makhachev’s skill but insisted that the D’Arce choke isn’t unprecedented within the context of Poirier’s history. “Poirier has been submitted before, four times, in fact,” Pimblett remarked. His focus on the nature of the victory suggests that mere execution may not suffice — the context of a fighter’s career must also be considered.
Additionally, Pimblett seamlessly transitioned into discussing his own accomplishment. He expressed pride in being the first to submit King Green in the UFC octagon in over a decade. This comparison not only enhances the gravity of his own achievement but also underlines a crucial aspect of the sport: the rarity and significance of submissions against formidable opponents. Considering that Green had gone 12 years without being submitted, this context underscores the weight behind Pimblett’s accomplishment.
Pimblett’s assertion that Khamzat Chimaev’s face crank submission over former champion Robert Whittaker is superior to Makhachev’s victory underscores an emerging standard in the submissions landscape. He highlighted that Whittaker had been a tough opponent for anyone to submit, making Chimaev’s accomplishment notably significant. By comparing these two submissions, Pimblett’s evaluation shifts the focus from Makhachev’s submission to a broader review of the quality of opponents and the uniqueness of the maneuvers executed against them.
This new angle showcases the idea that true submission artistry lies not just in the technique, but in the context — the caliber of the opponent, the stakes of the fight, and the originality of the techniques employed. As a rising star in the UFC lightweight rankings, Pimblett’s opinion will likely resonate with fans and analysts eager to engage in the ongoing discussions about submission excellence in mixed martial arts.
The debate stirred by Pimblett not only reflects personal rivalries and competition for accolades but also enriches the collective understanding of submission techniques in mixed martial arts. Ultimately, achievements in the octagon are best appreciated through a nuanced lens that accounts for the diverse factors influencing each contest. With engaging fighters like Pimblett articulating their takes, the conversation surrounding submissions will continue to evolve, inspiring fans, fighters, and analysts alike to appreciate the complexities of this intricate sport.