UFC star Paddy Pimblett has recently upstaged Conor McGregor on the MLB scene after he was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch by the San Diego Padres.
The ceremonial first pitch is a longstanding tradition in Major League Baseball. A guest of honour is invited to get involved; a ritual used to bring an end to the pre-game festivities and signal the start of the match.
Pimblett, who sported a Padres shirt with “The Baddy†on the back, was invited to Petco Park  —  the home of the Padres as they faced the Chicago Cubs.
Pimblett hit the target with his throw, prompting an ovation from the crowd, before exchanging some banter with the catcher.
However, not every UFC star has been so successful in their MLB pitching.
Conor McGregor was invited for the ceremonial first pitch by the Chicago Cubs in September 2021 as they faced the Minnesota Twins.
McGregor proved his hands are better used in sports other than baseball when he tossed the ball high and wide of the catcher and almost into the crowd.
‘Notorious’ McGregor was quick to find an excuse for his poor performance, citing injury as his reason after he had broken his leg a couple of months prior in a bout with Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.
The outspoken Irishman took to social media to defend his pitch claiming it was “the most powerful and fastest first pitch of any of these other athletes/ artist over the years. No comparison.â€
He continued: “The venom is there, the power is there. It’s a little off accurate-wise, but, you know, I’m on the one leg.
“You can see me base fully on the left leg that was just recently injured. I’m happy with that, I’ll take that on board.â€
McGregor even wildly claimed he could compete with MLB pitchers, saying: “If you could measure the power, I don’t think there’s much power difference to mine and them out there! Just the accuracy is a little off."
Pimblett is set to put his MLB events behind him and enter the Octagon at UFC London on July 23 after the schedule for the summer was leaked on a podcast with UFC president Dana White.