From Sparring with Paddy Pimblett to Chasing UFC Gold – Meet Hull's Rising MMA Star

George Staines: The Next Big Thing in British MMA?

In the heart of Hull, there's a young fighter making serious waves in the world of MMA. His name? George Staines. At just 24 years old, Staines is earning a reputation as one of the UK’s top lightweight prospects—and for good reason. What sets him apart? It’s not just his slick grappling, relentless pace, or undefeated professional record. It’s his mindset. Staines is chasing more than just wins—he’s after UFC gold. And he’s already rubbing shoulders (or should we say trading submissions) with some of the sport’s biggest stars.

A Regular Training Partner of Paddy Pimblett

Let’s talk about one of Staines’ biggest training influences: Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. Yes, that Paddy Pimblett—the flamboyant Liverpudlian lighting up the UFC’s lightweight division. Staines trains regularly at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, where Pimblett and other top-tier athletes hone their craft. And, according to George himself, rolling with Paddy is as humbling as it gets. “He always teaches me a lesson,” Staines admits. “But that’s what I want. That’s how you get better.” That kind of humility mixed with a hunger to learn is a deadly combo in this sport.

Undefeated and Undeniable

So far, George Staines has maintained a perfect record in the cage, both in his amateur days and now as a professional. Across 11 amateur bouts, he went undefeated—a rare feat in itself. Since turning pro, he’s continued that momentum, making a name for himself as a dominant grappler who can overwhelm opponents with pressure and precision. Promoters have taken notice too. Staines recently signed with OKTAGON MMA, one of Europe’s fastest-growing fighting federations. This move could be the stepping stone he needs to reach the sport’s pinnacle—the UFC.

Why OKTAGON Makes Sense

You might be thinking: why not go straight for Cage Warriors or another more familiar UK promotion? For Staines, choosing OKTAGON came down to timing and opportunity. The Czech-based promotion is making serious moves across Europe, and fighters like Staines are helping push its international appeal. With more eyes on OKTAGON events, it’s a platform that offers exposure—and competition—worthy of a future UFC contender.

The Path Isn’t Always Smooth

Behind every rising star is a backstory of grit. Staines’ journey hasn’t been without setbacks. From training injuries to the mental toll of staying ready without a fight on the calendar, he’s faced challenges that could derail a less committed athlete. One of his toughest fights? Not in the cage—but dealing with the dreaded "visa issues" that nearly cost him a recent fight. But through it all, he kept his focus sharp. “When you love it, you find a way to keep going,” he said. And go, he does.

What Makes Staines Stand Out?

Let’s break it down. What’s working so well for George Staines?

• Elite-Level Grappling: Staines is a submission specialist, capable of ending fights fast or grinding out decisions with suffocating top control.
• Mental Fortitude: Whether coaching younger fighters or staying sharp after canceled bouts, his mindset stays on course.
• Athletic Potential: At 5’10” and fighting at lightweight, he balances reach, movement, and stamina.
• Star-Ready Attitude: He’s media-friendly, humble in interviews, and hungry for greatness.

It’s no wonder fans, coaches, and fighters alike are keeping an eye on his progress.

What’s Next for George Staines?

With his OKTAGON debut lined up and UFC dreams shimmering in the not-so-distant future, George Staines is walking a path that could lead to greatness. The plan? Keep winning. Keep learning. And keep surrounding himself with talented teammates like Paddy Pimblett, who help sharpen his tools and keep his ego in check. That willingness to be the least experienced guy in the room—especially among UFC fighters—might just be what launches him into the Octagon himself.

The Bigger Picture

Staines isn’t just fighting for himself. He’s also inspired by his background in Hull, a place not usually recognized for its fight scene. He’s paving the way for future prospects from his hometown to dream bigger—because if George can make it, why can’t they?

Final Thoughts: UFC Gold and Beyond

It’s easy to root for George Staines. He’s got the talent, discipline, and humility to go the distance in MMA. He’s not rushing the process, either. With each bout and every sparring session (yes, even when he's getting dominated by The Baddy), Staines is adding layers to his game. Will we see him in the UFC someday? Honestly, it feels more like a “when” than an “if.” And if you’re a fan of UK MMA, it might be time to remember the name George Staines. Hull’s own might just be on a direct path to UFC gold. Until then, he’s grinding. He’s learning. And he’s staying humble—all the makings of a future champion. So, who’s ready to see what he does next?

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