STWF Sports|Nov. 20, 2025 – Paddy Pimblett’s glowing praise has followed Luke Riley into fight week in Qatar — and the undefeated Liverpool featherweight intends to prove every word true as he steps onto the UFC stage for the first time.
Riley, 26, is one of the most talked-about prospects entering the promotion this year. At 11-0 with eight knockouts, the Cage Warriors standout makes his long-awaited UFC debut on a stacked Fight Night card headlined by a lightweight title eliminator between Arman Tsarukyan and Dan Hooker.
For Riley, the journey to the UFC has been equal parts patience, talent, and perseverance — and according to Pimblett, his teammate at Next Generation MMA, elite potential.
“He’s the striking version of me.”
— Paddy Pimblett
Now Riley is determined to make that comparison a reality under the brightest lights of his career.
A UFC Contract — and a Twist Nobody Expected
Riley’s signing didn’t happen the conventional way. He was originally slated to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series, a chance to earn his UFC deal in front of the boss himself. But visa complications prevented him from traveling to the United States.
Only a day earlier, he was with Pimblett, who sounded more like a fortune teller than a teammate.
“Paddy said, ‘It’s coming, don’t worry,’” Riley told talkSPORT.com.
“He kept reassuring me — saying it over and over.”
Still, when the call came the next morning, Riley wasn’t prepared for the rollercoaster that followed.
His manager — and Cage Warriors CEO — Graham Boylan rang repeatedly. Riley feared bad news.
Boylan first joked that the visa issue meant Riley wouldn’t be fighting on Contender Series.
“I was gutted,” Riley admitted.
Then came the twist.
“Graham said, ‘It doesn’t matter anyway — you’re in the big leagues now!’”
The UFC contract was already waiting.
The Pimblett Effect: Loyalty and Confidence
Riley attributes much of his confidence and composure to his bond with Pimblett, who has traveled with him to Qatar and will corner him on fight night.
“He’s loyal to the bone,” Riley said.
“Paddy just tells me to be myself. We both know how good we are.”
The familiarity between the two NextGen products runs deep. They train together, push each other, and understand each other’s strengths without needing long pep talks.
“It’s mutual,” Riley said.
“We know each other so well… not much needs to be said.”
Riley also shares the stage this weekend with fellow Liverpudlian Shem Rock, who faces Nurullo Aliev. Pimblett will corner both men — the Scouse takeover in Qatar building yet another chapter.
A Dangerous Debut: Riley vs. Bogdan Grad
Riley’s opponent, Bogdan Grad, represents a stern test — a rugged technician who thrives in gritty exchanges. But Riley’s knockout power, pressure, and confidence make him one of the most intriguing debutants in the 145-pound division.
And Riley isn’t shy about where he believes he belongs.
“One million per cent I can mix it with the best,” he said.
“Volkanovski, Diego Lopes, Lerone Murphy — anyone.”
Riley insists he wouldn’t still be grinding in MMA if he didn’t believe he could rise to the top.
“I’m not delusional,” he said.
“If I didn’t think I could get to the top, I would’ve stopped a long time ago.”
A New Scouse Star Loading?
As he prepares to walk to the Octagon for the first time, Riley carries momentum, belief, and the endorsement of one of the UFC’s biggest personalities.
His journey to this moment was not straightforward — but the detour may have only sharpened the hunger.
Whether he becomes the “striking version” of Paddy Pimblett remains to be seen. But one thing is certain:
Luke Riley believes he can beat anyone placed in front of him — and now he finally gets the chance to show it on the world stage.
