UFC star Paddy Pimblett makes Trent Alexander-Arnold prediction ahead of Real Madrid game
UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett has predicted that Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool for Real Madrid - but is certain that Los Blancos will fall to defeat at Anfield this month.
Having failed to beat the Spanish giants in eight attempts, the Reds are set for a grudge match against the 15-time winners in the Champions League on Nov. 27. As they seek to put an end to that hoodoo, the omens are positive - with Madrid having slumped to two defeats in Europe so far this term.
Amid Carlo Ancelotti's side's listless start to their continental campaign, Liverpool's first four games in the competition have seen them tally up maximum points. In addition, as the La Liga champions come to town later in the month, the speculation over the future of rumored Madrid-target Alexander-Arnold will provide an intriguing side plot.
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Now, MMA fan favorite Pimblett has predicted that the Reds vice captain could be set for a move to the Spanish capital at the end of the current campaign. The 26-year-old full back will be able to speak to foreign clubs from January onwards, having entered the final year of his contract.
Predicting that Alexander-Arnold will likely depart, while assessing the futures of Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, 'The Baddy' told Liverpool.com via an interview arranged by AceOdds: "Nah, they're definitely not all leaving. I want them all to stay. I don't want anyone to leave but I think Van Dijk and Salah are both going to stay. I think that Trent is more than likely going to go to Real Madrid."
Either way, the Merseyside-born fighter is convinced that the Reds will have enough to overcome Madrid later this month as he looked forward to a potential shot at revenge. Hoping that Slot's men can avenge the 2022 Champions League final defeat against Los Blancos, he said: "I think we'll beat them. I always think we'll beat them.
"That Champions League final still hurts to this day. [Thibaut] Courtois just had an out-of-body experience," he continued, as he reflected on his anguish in Paris two years ago. "The best game he'd ever had in his life. He's never looked that good. It’s just so dumb how we lost. I was there and it was f****** heartbreaking."
Meanwhile, Pimblett also is setting his sights on his next fight as he spoke of his desire to face off against former UFC world lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. He said: "It's because everyone who beats Charles gets a title shot. He used to be the champ.
"It's that simple. I really like Charles. I like watching him fight. He's a quality fighter but he quits when the pressures on him a little bit. I know I'd already have his head a bit gone with mental warfare. I think I'd end up beating him, to be honest. I think I'd finish him. He's got a very good jujitsu as well. So, it probably ended up being a striking fight."
Making a prediction ahead of UFC 309's box office bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, he said: "I think Jon Jones is going to win. I could never pick against Jon Jones, I don't think. I've watched all his fights since before his DQ loss to Matt Hamill. I've been watching him for years. I never thought he was going to lose.
"I don't want to say a round but I think he'll probably get a finish. Stipe rarely gets finished. No disrespect to Daniel Cormier but if Cormier can knock him out with his short body type, and short boxing, I think Jon Jones will be able to keep him long."