From Darts to the Octagon? Gerwyn Price Teases Fight with UFC’s Paddy Pimblett

Former world champion Gerwyn Price got his 2026 World Darts Championship bid underway with a convincing 3-0 win over Czech thrower Adam Gawlas.

It proved a routine victory for the Welshman. Despite missing over a dozen darts at double, Price’s heavy scoring ensured he was rarely under pressure, with Gawlas unable to apply any sustained threat.

Pep talk from an unlikely source

Pre-match, Price received an unexpected boost after being acquainted with one of Britain’s biggest sporting stars, who delivered an encouraging pep talk that helped set the tone for the night.

UFC star Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett was in attendance at Alexandra Palace alongside fellow fighter Luke Riley. Before soaking up the atmosphere in the arena, the pair headed backstage to meet Price.

“He’s actually taller than I thought”

Asked about the interaction, Price admitted he was surprised by Pimblett’s size.

"He's actually taller than I thought, and I thought he was quite small so I must be tiny,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

Known for his muscular physique, Price isn’t used to being dwarfed by many athletes in darts, a sport not typically associated with physical bulk.

Despite the size comparison, the Welshman was full of praise for the Liverpool fighter.

“He’s a really good bloke. Fair play to him, I looked at a picture of him and he looks heavier than me, but I’m still 3KG heavier so maybe I need to lose some more weight.”

"But it's great to meet people like that. I think he's going to be a world champ soon.”

Credit: PDC

A familiar face from snooker

It wasn’t the first time the pair had crossed paths, though this marked their first proper meeting.

"I actually went to watch the World Championship snooker either last year or the year before and he [Pimplett] was there, but he was in front of me. I never really met him. I was watching I think the Luca Brecel game and he was there, but I never met him.”

Vegas invite turned down

Pimblett is set to face Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 on Sunday 25th January for the interim lightweight title. Price revealed he was invited to Las Vegas for the fight but was forced to decline due to a scheduling clash.

The Winmau World Masters 2026 begins on January 29th, leaving little time for international travel and recovery.

“I’d love to go out and watch him, but I think the Masters is on the same time that weekend, but I wish him all the best.”

A fantasy fight — only if the money’s right

Jokingly pushed on the idea of a sporting crossover, Price didn’t completely rule out stepping into the octagon.

A former professional rugby player before switching to darts, Price has previously flirted with combat sports — even calling out influencer Jake Paul for a charity bout.

“I’ll fight him when he is on off season. If the moneys, there I’ll jump in the octagon.”

McGregor mega-fight prediction

Jokes aside, Price finished by giving his verdict on Pimblett’s trajectory in the UFC, predicting a future blockbuster showdown.

"I think they're probably holding him off for a big fight with Conor McGregor, which would be good. That'd be a big money fight,” he concluded.