“High on heroin,” Paddy Pimblett’ rival Jared Gordon remembers past mistakes after KO victory over Olympic medalist at UFC 295

Exploring Jared Gordon's remarkable transformation and first-round knockout at UFC 295, his reflections on overcoming heroin addiction, and the impact of his fight against Paddy Pimblett.

“High on heroin,” Paddy Pimblett’ rival Jared Gordon remembers past mistakes after KO victory over Olympic medalist at UFC 295

Jared Gordon thanks Paddy Pimblett after defeating Mark O Madsen at UFC 295 (Image via: X/ MMA Fighting, UFC News)

Jared Gordon has a history of substance abuse, which he overcame to become a UFC fighter. His struggles were well documented when he fought Paddy Pimblett at UFC 282. The fight ended in controversy as Pimblett won a controversial unanimous decision victory. Gordon did not allow the judge’s involvement at UFC 295. He knocked out Greco-Roman Olympic Silver medalist Mark O. Madsen in the first round.

The finish was his first since his UFC debut. After the victory, Gordon shared his incredible story from being a junkie to a fighter at Madison Square Garden. Gordon said this in the post-fight press conference about his troubled past and current success:

You know I was born in Manhattan, been here forever, and you know I used to shoot heroin all over this area. And so, I still walk by the garden like, 'Oh, one day, like high on heroin, like, oh, I'm going to fight there one day.' And uh, it was a pipe dream, you know, and here I am.
Jared Gordon via UFC 295 post-fight press conference.
YouTube video

Gordon was pleased after his first KO victory in the UFC. This was visible during his passionate post-fight speech. He shared his family’s legacy at Madison Square Garde. His late grandfather, Sal Ferello, was a featherweight professional boxer. Moreover, he encouraged the fans to achieve their dreams, citing his story as an example. This is what he said in the post-fight speech with Joe Rogan.

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My grandfather fought in the stadium four times. I used to shoot heroin near Penn Station underneath this building. Now I'm fighting in it and knocking guys out. You can do anything you want if you put your mind to it and have a little faith in God.
Jared Gordon during UFC octagon interview.

Moreover, Gordon praised his former opponents, Paddy Pimblett and Bobby Green. Furthermore, Gordon acknowledged the recognition he got from fighting Pimblett even though he was robbed of the victory. Interestingly, Gordon, in his UFC career, has even fought the likes of Charles Oliveira, Bobby Green, and Grant Dawson.

Jared Gordon thanks Paddy Pimblett for fan recognition after UFC 282 robbery

Paddy Pimblett is one of the most popular fighters in the UFC. However, after successive finishes in his first three fights, Pimblett made his PPV debut against Jared Gordon. Pimblett won the bout by unanimous decision, but the decision was deemed very controversial. Overwhelming sections of the MMA community felt that Gordon earned a decision.

Paddy Pimblett defeated Jared Gordon
Paddy Pimblett defeated Jared Gordon (Image via: X/MMA Fighting)

However, there was a silver lining for Gordon even after the loss. Gordon explained that in his post-fight press conference of UFC 295. This is what he said about it:

I mean, my following had skyrocketed. What sucked about it, though, was like for the last year, everybody's like, 'You're the guy that lost to Patty,' and I'm like, 'You know, that's what I'm known for, being the guy that got robbed by Patty,' that's how it felt..........But yeah, he helped me, his popularity helped me in my following, so there was a silver lining.

Apparently, Gordon became more recognizable to the casual fan base due to Pimblett. Pimblett has not fought since UFC 282 and will fight Tony Ferguson at UFC 296. Conversely, Gordon has called out for a ranked opponent after his win over Madsen.

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