Former boxing world champion Anthony Joshua had a change of heart about trying MMA after training with UFC star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.
The two athletes, who both represent Under Armour, met during a promotional event where they decided to test each other’s skills. Pimblett, known for his grappling expertise, demonstrated a rear-naked choke, giving Joshua a firsthand taste of MMA’s more brutal side.
“So I control your wrist, my other arm comes around your head, and I just squeeze,” Pimblett explained as he lightly applied pressure. Joshua quickly rolled over, laughing: “That’s mad, isn’t it? If you did that properly, I reckon I could get out.” Moments later, he admitted: “That’s the first time I’ve been in the cage — this ain’t for me.”
Joshua had previously said he would consider an MMA fight, especially during the hype around Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor, but Pimblett’s demonstration appears to have ended those ambitions.
Meanwhile, Joshua’s long-rumoured all-British showdown with Tyson Fury remains unlikely. Despite fan demand, Fury has reportedly turned his attention to a trilogy bout with Oleksandr Usyk, leaving the dream clash between the two heavyweight icons on hold once again.
