NEXT GENERATION GAIN

Luke's life of Riley at Liverpool base

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WHILE Paddy Pimblett will be looking to prove the leader of his generation, the Next Generation will not be far behind him in the Octagon according to gym-mate Luke Riley.

‘The Baddy’ gets his chance at championship gold at UFC 324 on January 24 when he faces veteran star Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Pimblett’s rise in the company - he’s 7-0 having made his debut in 2021 - has been built from his home base at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, with ‘Meatball’ Molly McCann another notable alumni from the gym.

Next Gen fighters Nathan Fletcher, Shem Rock and Riley have since caught the eye of Dana White and Co and been signed up for MMA's biggest stage.