UFC star Paddy Pimblett's verdict on Conor McGregor takes Gary Neville by surprise

dailystar.co.uk:

Paddy Pimblett doesn't believe Conor McGregor gets the respect he deserves considering the impact he's had on mixed martial arts.McGregor—who turned 34 on Thursday—blazed a trail for European fighters in the UFC and has become one of the most recognisable faces in sport. 'Notorious' has seen his profile suffer in recent years, however, and hasn't fought since fracturing his leg at UFC 264 in July 2021.The Dubliner has set an example in how MMA stars like Pimblett, 27, and Molly McCann can market themselves to a global audience.

And the former was particularly proud to fight McGregor's corner when he sat down with ex-England and Manchester United defender Gary Neville on The Overlap. READ MORE: UFC boss Dana White slammed for giving YouTube star $250,000 in cash amid fighter pay row "Yeah, I think he's going to come back before the end of the year", replied Pimblett after Neville asked about McGregor's current condition and when he might fight again. "I think he gets a lot of disrespect, lad, and it does my head in.

Because without him, a lot of MMA fighters wouldn't be getting paid what they are."McGregor raised the ceiling in regards to the maximum amount fighters can earn in the UFC, but there's still fervent debate surrounding fighter pay in the world's biggest MMA promotion.

UFC President Dana White recently angered many fans when he gifted prankster Kyle Forgeard $250,000 (£211,000) in cash for his birthday."Prime example: if it wasn't for Conor McGregor, you [Neville] probably wouldn't be sitting here with us now, doing this," continued Pimblett as Neville looked on deliberating what to say next. "Because he's the one that made the sport global.