{"id":235241,"date":"2025-10-23T14:29:10","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/235241\/"},"modified":"2025-10-23T14:29:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T14:29:10","slug":"anthony-joshua-gets-a-reality-check-after-paddy-pimblett-chokes-him-during-mma-session-this-aint-for-me","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/235241\/","title":{"rendered":"Anthony Joshua Gets a Reality Check After Paddy Pimblett Chokes Him During MMA Session: ‘This Ain\u2019t for Me’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua briefly stepped away from the ring to explore the world of mixed martial arts \u2014 and the experience was short-lived.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

As soon as Pimblett wrapped up the boxer for a rear choke, Joshua immediately realized MMA might not be his calling.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo I control your wrist and my other arm comes around your head and I put my chin over it and I just (squeeze),\u201d Pimblett explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd it goes tighter?\u201d Joshua said with a laugh before quickly rolling over to escape the hold.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s mad isn\u2019t it? If you done that properly I reckon I could get out,\u201d Joshua joked back.<\/p>\n

Then, catching his breath, he admitted, \u201cFirst time I\u2019ve been in the cage \u2014 I just said to myself, this ain\u2019t for me.\u201d<\/p>\n

The good-natured exchange highlighted the stark difference between boxing and MMA, especially when grappling enters the equation.<\/p>\n

pic.twitter.com\/5Xk8LaREcm<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 \u064b. (@C0MB4TT) October 22, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

While Pimblett looked right at home in the cage, the Liverpool fighter appeared less confident when the pair swapped to striking drills. Joshua\u2019s precision and timing left \u201cThe Baddy\u201d visibly cautious about stepping too close.<\/p>\n

The lighthearted moment reminded fans that even the best in their respective sports struggle when crossing disciplines.<\/p>\n

Pimblett, currently one of the UFC\u2019s 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<\/a> in early 2026, though Justin Gaethje remains another possible opponent in the mix.<\/p>\n

Joshua Looking to Rebound in Boxing<\/p>\n

For Joshua, the playful session with Pimblett came amid efforts to reset his career after his loss to Daniel Dubois last fall<\/a>. 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Joshua\u2019s quick tap to Pimblett\u2019s choke was all in fun, but it underscored how demanding MMA truly is. Even one of boxing\u2019s most decorated champions could only laugh and admit defeat in a world where takedowns and submissions rule.<\/p>\n

Published on October 23, 2025 at 10:14 am<\/p>\n

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