UFC star Paddy Pimblett might be gearing up for the biggest fight of his career — but this week, the Liverpudlian fan favourite stole headlines for something altogether more wholesome.
‘The Baddy’ was “knocked out” in a charity boxing match by George Goetzee, a boxer with Down’s syndrome known as “The Real GGG”, in a heart-warming moment that’s gone viral across social media.
The bout took place at The Dome at Grand Central Hall in Liverpool, as part of a special disability boxing event organised by the No Limits Gym, which promotes inclusion in combat sports for people with learning difficulties, autism, and cerebral palsy.
In front of a packed crowd, Pimblett swapped the Octagon for the ring — and, showing his trademark sense of humour, allowed Goetzee to playfully KO him during the exhibition.
Goetzee – who first made headlines in 2017 after facing former WBA interim lightweight champion Derry Mathews in another friendly exhibition – landed a friendly right hand that sent Pimblett to the canvas.
The referee waved it off, raising both men’s hands as the crowd erupted in cheers.
Moments later, Pimblett lifted Goetzee onto his shoulders and paraded him around the ring, beaming as fans chanted his opponent’s nickname — “The Real GGG.”
A viral post from combat sports outlet Happy Punch summed it up perfectly: “Paddy Pimblett did a charity exhibition match with a boxer who has Down syndrome […] He goes by ‘The Real GGG.’”
While some MMA followers initially did a double take at the words “Paddy Pimblett knocked out,” the context behind the clip quickly made it clear — this was an act of sportsmanship, not an upset.
Supporters flooded social media with praise for Pimblett’s gesture, calling it “pure class” and “the kind of moment that reminds you why fans love him.”
As one fan wrote under the viral post: “Only Paddy could get knocked out and still come out looking like a legend.”
The charity event itself was part of a growing effort to make combat sports more accessible for people with disabilities, an initiative close to the hearts of many involved in Merseyside’s fight community.
Goetzee has been an integral part of that push, having worked closely with Mathews to establish a “disability boxing squad” that welcomes fighters with a range of physical and learning challenges.
For Pimblett — who’s long spoken about mental health, community outreach, and the importance of giving back — the exhibition was another example of him using his platform for good.
Of course, Pimblett’s charitable cameo in the ring comes just weeks before his biggest professional test to date.
On January 24, the 30-year-old headlines UFC 324, where he’ll face Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title — marking his first ever main event in the UFC.
The fight will kick off the promotion’s blockbuster new broadcast deal with Paramount+, reportedly worth $7.7 billion, and could set up a unification bout with reigning champion Ilia Topuria later in 2026.
Pimblett, currently ranked #5 in the lightweight division, knows he’ll need to come in on the dot at 155 pounds — with no extra leeway allowed for title fights. His last weigh-in came at 156lbs, meaning he’ll have to cut an extra pound to make the championship limit.
“The Baddy” has become known for his dramatic post-fight weight swings, but with gold on the line, the cut has never been more crucial.
For all the intensity of his UFC career, moments like Thursday’s charity event show the lighter side of Pimblett’s personality — and why his popularity extends well beyond MMA.
By giving “The Real GGG” his moment under the lights, Pimblett helped shine a spotlight on disability boxing and the inclusive community growing around it. He might be hunting an interim title next month, but for this night at least, The Baddy was happy to let someone else have their hand raised.
Featured image credit: X/@happypunch (screenshots)
