Paddy Pimblett got choked unconscious in 35 seconds in first career defeat

Paddy Pimblett had his undefeated record shattered when he was choked unconscious by Cameron Else in his fifth pro MMA bout.

A fresh-faced Pimblett met Else at Cage Warriors 60 back in 2013 when he was just 18 years old.

Else was an unknown quantity at 1-1, while Pimblett was already beginning to make a name for himself after a perfect 4-0 start.

The expectation was that the Liverpudlian would continue his winning ways against Else; however, 'Camchida' had other ideas.

Pimblett got off to a quick start, pulling guard early.

But during the scramble, he got caught in a tight anaconda choke.

Pimblett refused to tap and was made to pay for his bravery as Else turned him over and continued to squeeze until his adversary went limp.

It remains the only stoppage defeat on Pimblett's 22-3 record as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career on Saturday night against Michael Chandler.

The pair will serve as chief support for Alexander Volkanovski and Diego Lopes' featherweight title fight at UFC 314 in Miami.

Pimblett is currently ranked No.12 in the lightweight rankings after breaking into the top 15 with a career-best victory over King Green last July.

The proud Scouser is 6-0 inside the UFC Octagon but is taking a big step up in competition against former Bellator lightweight champion Chandler.

Chandler has lost four of his last six fights, although each of those has come against elite opposition.

At present, he is ranked No.7 in the UFC, meaning Pimblett could be one or two fights away from a title shot with a win over the weekend.

While Pimblett has gone to establish himself as one of Britain's top UFC stars, Else has had a turbulent career.

He got signed to the UFC in 2020 but lost both of his fights to Kyler Phillips and Aoriqileng, leading to his release.

Since leaving MMA's premier promotion, Else has signed with Global Fight League (GFL).

He is set to make his company debut on May 25 against fellow UFC veteran Jimmie Rivera at GFL 2.

As a professional, Else is 11-6 overall.