Boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua briefly stepped away from the ring to explore the world of mixed martial arts — and the experience was short-lived.
In a friendly crossover session filmed for Under Armour, Joshua squared off with UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett, who wasted no time demonstrating just how punishing grappling can be for someone used to striking.
As soon as Pimblett wrapped up the boxer for a rear choke, Joshua immediately realized MMA might not be his calling.
“So I control your wrist and my other arm comes around your head and I put my chin over it and I just (squeeze),” Pimblett explained.
“And it goes tighter?” Joshua said with a laugh before quickly rolling over to escape the hold.
“That’s mad isn’t it? If you done that properly I reckon I could get out,” Joshua joked back.
Then, catching his breath, he admitted, “First time I’ve been in the cage — I just said to myself, this ain’t for me.”
The good-natured exchange highlighted the stark difference between boxing and MMA, especially when grappling enters the equation.
— ً. (@C0MB4TT) October 22, 2025
While Pimblett looked right at home in the cage, the Liverpool fighter appeared less confident when the pair swapped to striking drills. Joshua’s precision and timing left “The Baddy” visibly cautious about stepping too close.
The lighthearted moment reminded fans that even the best in their respective sports struggle when crossing disciplines.
Pimblett, currently one of the UFC’s most talked-about names, is staying in shape between fights. The 29-year-old holds a record of 23-3 and has been in discussions for a lightweight title shot against Ilia Topuria in early 2026, though Justin Gaethje remains another possible opponent in the mix.
Joshua Looking to Rebound in Boxing
For Joshua, the playful session with Pimblett came amid efforts to reset his career after his loss to Daniel Dubois last fall. The 36-year-old former unified champion, now 28-4 with 25 knockouts, has hinted at another big fight later this year as he attempts to regain momentum in the heavyweight scene.
Despite fan hopes, a long-anticipated British mega-fight with Tyson Fury still appears out of reach. Fury, who recently hinted at another comeback, has set his sights on completing a trilogy with Oleksandr Usyk, leaving Joshua once again waiting for his rival to make a move.
Joshua’s quick tap to Pimblett’s choke was all in fun, but it underscored how demanding MMA truly is. Even one of boxing’s most decorated champions could only laugh and admit defeat in a world where takedowns and submissions rule.
Published on October 23, 2025 at 10:14 am
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