Virgil van Dijk sends Paddy Pimblett message after UFC London win

Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk has sent a message of congratulations to Paddy Pimblett after his UFC victory on Saturday night against Kazula Vargas.

Scouser 'Paddy the Baddy' made a difficult start to the fight, taking a right hand from Vargas as the pair grappled, but within a matter of minutes Pimblett took Vargas' back and by locking in the rear- naked choke, forced his Mexican opponent to submit.

Pimblett's victory was the second for Liverpool on the night, after Molly McCann had earlier won her match against Luana Carolina, and as the Merseyside pair both celebrated in the Octogan, Anfield hero Van Dijk showed his appreciation for the win.

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The towering Dutch international Tweeted: "Go on lad @theufcbaddy," with a red circle emoji to depict Pimblett's love of the Reds.

After the contest in London, Pimblett said : "It wasn't as clean as I liked but are you not entertained? I have to get punched in the face to wake up! That was only like a five or six out of ten. This arena is too small - get me to Anfield and we'll fill it!"