UFC star and Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett admits he wants to 'beat up' Premier League boss

18:40, 10 Sep 2026Updated 20:20, 10 Sep 2026

UFC fighter and Liverpool fan Paddy Pimblett has joked he would like to fight Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. The Huyton-born fighter has been a vocal critic of the Gunners and their manager.

The 31‑year‑old admitted last season that he was hoping to see Manchester City pip Arteta's men to Premier League glory. Both teams were locked in a fierce title race with plenty of twists and turns.

But it was Arsenal who came out on top - lifting their first league title in 22 years. That victory saw the north Londoners end the 2025/26 campaign seven points clear after several near-misses in previous campaigns.

The Gunners are favourites to retain their title this term and have started well with three wins from three. But one person who is clearly not a fan is Pimblett.

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When asked by host Jamie Theakston on Thursday's Heart UK breakfast show, who he would want to fight, he said: "At the minute I’d probably say Mikel Arteta just to beat him up."

Pimblett's comments came after he slammed Arteta's team before their league title triumph in May. The UFC star was critical of the club's fans in a rant on The Wayne Rooney Show.

"Come on City, come on City," he cried. "I want them to win, you know what I mean? I hate Arsenal fans.

"Arsenal fans are the worst fanbase in the world and I've only got this hate for Arsenal the last couple of years. They think they're just the best thing in the world.

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"They say every one of their players is the best player in the world in that position but they've won absolutely nothing. They say [Mikel] Arteta is the best manager than [Jurgen] Klopp but he's won absolutely nothing."

Pimblett's Liverpool are next set to come up against Arteta's Arsenal on November 1 at Anfield in the Premier League (4:30pm).

The fighter will be hoping his team can gain momentum after improving in recent games to beat Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid.

The Reds host struggling Fulham next on Saturday (3pm).

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