Will Paddy Pimblett Become the Next Victim of ‘Dirty’ Tactics Like Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira Have Endured?

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. Fighters often resort to various strategies to gain an edge over their opponents, some of which cross the line into ‘dirty’ tactics. Fighters like Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira have been on the receiving end of such controversial moves, which have impacted their performances and fight outcomes. With Paddy Pimblett quickly rising in the UFC rankings, many fans and analysts are wondering whether he will soon face the same fate. As Pimblett continues to make waves in the lightweight division, will he be targeted by unethical tactics, or can he navigate the octagon without falling victim to the same tricks?

What Are ‘Dirty’ Tactics in MMA?

A Look at Commonly Used Unethical Moves

While MMA is governed by strict rules, fighters sometimes bend or outright break them to gain an unfair advantage. These ‘dirty’ tactics’ can range from minor infractions to blatant fouls. Some of the most notorious include:

• Eye pokes – Used to impair an opponent’s vision and disrupt their game plan.

• Cage grabbing – Prevents takedowns and gives a positional advantage.

• Glove holding – Makes it harder for an opponent to defend or escape.

• Illegal strikes (groin shots, back-of-the-head punches, and late hits) – Can cause severe damage and alter the course of a fight.

• Feigning fouls – Some fighters exaggerate injuries to sway the referee’s decision or earn recovery time.

These tactics can have serious consequences, affecting not only the fight outcome but also the long-term health and career of a fighter. Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira have both experienced this firsthand in high-profile bouts.

Dustin Poirier’s Struggles with Questionable Tactics

Poirier vs. Conor McGregor Trilogy: Controversy and Fouls

In Poirier’s trilogy fight against Conor McGregor at UFC 264, the fight ended in controversy. Leading up to McGregor’s leg break, Poirier accused him of grabbing his gloves and using illegal fence grabs to manipulate the grappling exchanges. While some of these infractions went unnoticed by the referee, they played a role in how the fight unfolded.

The Impact of Fouls on Poirier’s Career

Throughout his career, Dustin Poirier has had to overcome questionable tactics from his opponents. Whether it’s illegal strikes or subtle rule-breaking maneuvers, these incidents have added another layer of difficulty to his fights. Despite this, Poirier has remained a top contender and continues to prove his resilience in the octagon.

Charles Oliveira: A Champion Who Overcame Unfair Play

Multiple Incidents of Fouls Against Oliveira

As a former UFC Lightweight Champion, Charles Oliveira has faced numerous challenges inside the octagon, including unfair tactics from opponents. Some key moments include:

• Dustin Poirier vs. Oliveira (UFC 269) – Poirier was seen grabbing Oliveira’s gloves multiple times, limiting Oliveira’s ability to control the fight.

• Justin Gaethje vs. Oliveira (UFC 274) – Gaethje’s aggressive approach led to accidental but impactful fouls, including eye pokes.

• Weigh-in controversy – Before his fight against Gaethje, Oliveira was stripped of his title due to a controversial weigh-in discrepancy, raising questions about the fairness of the process.

How Oliveira Handled These Challenges

Despite these setbacks, Charles Oliveira has proven that resilience and skill can overcome adversity. His ability to stay composed and adapt to challenges has helped him reclaim his position as one of the most dangerous fighters in the lightweight division.

Will Paddy Pimblett Face Similar ‘Dirty’ Tactics?

The Risks of Rising to the Top

As Paddy Pimblett continues his ascent in the UFC lightweight division, he is drawing more attention from both fans and high-level competitors. With greater recognition comes greater scrutiny, and he may soon find himself facing fighters willing to bend the rules to gain an edge over him.

Some factors that make Pimblett a potential target include:

• His outspoken personality – Trash-talking and confidence can make him a marked man.

• His aggressive fighting style – Pimblett engages in fast-paced fights, making it easier for opponents to sneak in fouls without drawing attention.

• His rising popularity – High-profile fighters often face strategic fouls meant to disrupt their rhythm and create an advantage.

Potential Opponents Who Could Use Questionable Tactics

If Pimblett continues winning, he will likely face top-ranked contenders known for their aggressive and sometimes controversial styles. Some potential matchups that could lead to questionable tactics include:

• Michael Chandler – Known for his explosive striking and wrestling, Chandler has been involved in intense, borderline chaotic fights.

• Rafael Fiziev – A dangerous striker who fights at a high pace and could exploit rule gaps.

• Mateusz Gamrot – A high-level grappler who may use subtle tactics like glove or cage grabbing to gain an advantage.

How Can Pimblett Avoid Becoming a Victim of ‘Dirty’ Tactics?

Developing Awareness and Defense Against Fouls

Pimblett can take several steps to protect himself from ‘dirty’ tactics’:

• Improve defensive awareness – Being conscious of potential fouls can help him react quickly.

• Maintain composure – Keeping his cool when faced with an illegal move can prevent him from making mistakes.

• Call out fouls immediately – If a foul occurs, making sure the referee is aware can increase the likelihood of action being taken.

The Role of Referees in Enforcing Fair Play

One of the biggest challenges in addressing ‘dirty’ tactics’ is the inconsistency of officiating. Referees play a crucial role in maintaining fairness, and improvements in MMA officiating could include:

• Stricter penalties for repeated infractions – Fighters who repeatedly break the rules should face harsher consequences.

• Better use of instant replay – Reviewing controversial moments could help make fairer decisions.

• Referee training improvements – Ensuring officials recognize and penalize common fouls effectively.

Conclusion

As Paddy Pimblett rises through the UFC lightweight rankings, the possibility of facing ‘dirty’ tactics’ increases. Fighters like Dustin Poirier and Charles Oliveira have already been subjected to unfair play, and Pimblett must be prepared for similar challenges. Whether it’s eye pokes, glove holding, or cage grabs, opponents looking for an advantage may try to disrupt his momentum. By staying vigilant, improving his defensive strategies, and ensuring referees are held accountable, Pimblett can avoid falling victim to controversial tactics and continue his path toward UFC stardom. Only time will tell if he can navigate the treacherous waters of high-level MMA without being drawn into the darker aspects of the sport.