UFC star Paddy Pimblett admits he wants to ‘beat up’ Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta as challenge laid out

· Mirror

Paddy Pimblett has been a vocal critic of Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta in recent years, and the UFC fighter has now gone one step further

UFC fighter and Liverpool supporter Paddy Pimblett has jokingly declared he would love to get in the ring with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. The Huyton-born brawler has made no secret of his disdain for the Gunners and their boss.

The 31-year-old revealed last season that he had been rooting for Manchester City to deny Arteta's side Premier League glory, with both clubs locked in a gripping title race full of dramatic twists and turns.

Yet it was Arsenal who ultimately triumphed — clinching their first league title in 22 years. That success saw the north Londoners finish the 2025/26 campaign seven points clear of their rivals, ending a run of agonising near-misses in previous seasons.

The Gunners are among the favourites to defend their crown this term and have made a flying start, winning all three of their opening fixtures. But Pimblett is firmly not among those singing their praises.

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

Pimblett's remarks came after he had previously laid into Arteta's side ahead of their title win in May, taking aim at the club's fanbase during an appearance 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.

> "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 due to face Arteta's Arsenal on November 1 at Anfield in the Premier League (4:30pm).

The fighter will be eager for his side to build on recent momentum after back-to-back victories over Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid.

The Reds welcome struggling Fulham to Anfield next on Saturday (3pm).

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