Paddy Pimblett is on the verge of what could be the biggest night of his fighting career.
The Liverpudlian, known affectionately as 'The Baddy', takes on the fearsome Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight championship at UFC 324 in Las Vegas this weekend.
It's been quite the journey for the 31-year-old since making his UFC debut back in 2021.
The former Cage Warriors champion has been absolutely flawless since arriving on the biggest stage in mixed martial arts, racking up an impressive seven consecutive victories without a single defeat.
Paddy Pimblett's wife Laura has admitted breaking up with the UFC star on multiple occasions
|Pimblett secured his shot at UFC gold after stopping Michael Chandler with a TKO last April.
It was the kind of statement victory that proved he belongs among the elite in the lightweight division.
The interim title opportunity came about after reigning champion Ilia Topuria announced he would be taking a break from competition due to personal matters.
That opened the door for Pimblett, and he's grabbed it with both hands.
The Liverpool fighter is expected to have his family supporting him cageside in Vegas, including his wife Laura Gregory, as he chases the biggest prize of his career so far.
Laura Pimblett has been Paddy's biggest supporter, even during his tough moments
|Pimblett tied the knot with his long-term girlfriend Laura back in May 2023, with the couple celebrating their big day at Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.
The pair have been together since they were teenagers and got engaged during a holiday in Thailand in early 2020.
Just a few months after their wedding, they announced they were expecting twins, with their baby girls arriving in April 2024.
Laura has been refreshingly honest about their relationship in the past, telling the Tea Time with Livvy podcast: "God, we've split up more times than I count. He went through a phase where, just one of them, he went off the rails."
She's also spoken candidly about the challenges of being married to a rising sports star, admitting that the lifestyle isn't for everyone.
"For me, I feel like this life can make you unhappy," Laura explained. "I have shut so many people off from my life because I just don't trust no one. I don't need that many people in my life. I've got exactly who I need and that is fine with me."
Paddy and Laura Pimblett share two children together, twin girls
|As for fighting on home soil again, Pimblett reckons the chances are getting slimmer by the day.
The Huyton-raised fighter last competed in Britain back in July 2024, and he expects most of his future bouts will be Stateside.
There's one exception though – Anfield.
"I think the odds are going lower and lower," he told Sky Sports.
"It would be a shame, obviously but I don't think anywhere is big enough, unless they come to Anfield - that's the dream."