Paddy Pimblett to make UFC debut against Luigi Vendramini in September

Paddy Pimblett has a date for his UFC debut.

Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed to MMA Fighting that the former Cage Warriors champion will face Luigi Vendramini at the UFC’s event on Sept. 4. While a location and venue hasn’t been officially announced, the UFC is hoping to hold the event in London. Combate was first to report the booking.

After ending 2018 with a decision loss to Soren Bak for the vacant lightweight title at Cage Warriors 96, Pimblett returned in March 2020 with a first-round TKO win over Decky Dalton at Cage Warriors 113. “The Baddy” next competed exactly a year later with another impressive opening round finish, this time via submission against Davide Martinez in his final Cage Warriors appearance before signing with the UFC.

Vendramini will look to spoil the part for the debutante and improve upon his 1-2 promotional record. “The Italian Stallion” last competed at UFC 263 in June and, despite nearly mounting an incredible comeback in the third round, dropped a majority decision to Fares Ziam.

The UFC’s Sept. 4 event is scheduled to be headlined by a middleweight bout between Derek Brunson, No. 5 in MMA Fighting’s global rankings, and Darren Till.