Pimblett names Arsenal's Arteta as the man he most wants to fight in the ring

UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett has named Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as the person he would most like to fight, delivering the jab during an appearance on Heart UK’s breakfast show on Thursday. The 31-year-old Huyton-born fighter, a lifelong Liverpool supporter, told host Jamie Theakston: “At the minute I’d probably say Mikel Arteta just to beat him up.”

The remark is the latest in a series of public digs Pimblett has aimed at Arsenal and their manager. Earlier this year, ahead of Arsenal’s title run-in, he appeared on The Wayne Rooney Show and made clear where his loyalties lay. “Come on City, come on City,” he said. “I want them to win, you know what I mean? I hate Arsenal fans. Arsenal fans are the worst fanbase in the world.”

At the time, Pimblett also questioned Arteta’s standing among elite managers. “They say Arteta is the better manager than [Jurgen] Klopp but he’s won absolutely nothing,” he said — comments that have since aged somewhat, given what followed.

Arsenal ultimately silenced their critics by clinching their first league title in 22 years, finishing the 2025/26 Premier League season seven points clear of their rivals after years of near-misses. The Gunners have carried that momentum into the new campaign, winning all three of their opening fixtures and entering the season among the favourites to defend their crown.

Pimblett’s Liverpool, meanwhile, have also made a positive start, with back-to-back wins over Ipswich Town and Atletico Madrid providing encouragement. The two clubs are due to meet on 1 November at Anfield in what promises to be a charged fixture given the broader rivalry — and Pimblett’s very public animosity toward the visitors.