Paddy Pimblett Claims He Wants To Knock Out Bruno Fernandes and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Paddy Pimblett has named two high-profile footballers he would love to face inside the boxing ring, and his choices have plenty to do with football rivalries.
The UFC lightweight contender was recently asked which footballers he would like to fight. Without hesitating, the Liverpool supporter picked Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes and former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Pimblett made his feelings towards the pair crystal clear, saying:
“Bruno Fernandes or Trent Alexander-Arnold. I don’t like the pair of them. I’d love to knock them out.”
The comments quickly attracted attention, particularly given Pimblett’s well-known connection with Liverpool Football Club.
Why Paddy Pimblett Has a Problem With Bruno Fernandes and Trent Alexander-Arnold
Pimblett’s selection of Fernandes is hardly surprising. The 31-year-old is a passionate Liverpool supporter, making Manchester United’s Portuguese captain an obvious target given the historic rivalry between the two English clubs.
Fernandes has been one of United’s most influential players since arriving from Sporting CP in January 2020. He has established himself as the club captain and a key figure in their midfield.
However, Pimblett’s frustration with Alexander-Arnold has a more personal connection to his support for Liverpool.
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The defender spent almost his entire professional career at Anfield after progressing through the club’s academy. He won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time with the Reds before leaving for Real Madrid in the summer of 2025.
His departure, particularly after years of being associated with Liverpool, did not sit well with Pimblett.
The UFC star had previously criticised Alexander-Arnold for leaving his boyhood club, making it clear that he felt the defender had turned his back on Liverpool.
Meanwhile, Pimblett has plenty of fighting experience himself. Known as ‘The Baddy’, the Liverpool-born fighter boasts a professional MMA record of 24 wins and four defeats, with seven knockout victories and 11 submission wins.
His most recent victory came against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July 2026, where he secured a first-round submission in just 52 seconds.
Although there is virtually no chance of seeing Fernandes or Alexander-Arnold enter the Octagon against Pimblett, the Liverpool supporter’s latest comments have certainly added another chapter to his ongoing football rivalries.
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