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Paddy Pimblett is carving out a reputation for taking his licks and doubling up on the return. Pimblett scored a first-round submission win over Rodrigo Vargas on the main card of UFC London at the O2 Arena.

Pimblett (18-3) had a rough start on Saturday night, absorbing an early knockdown from the major underdog Vargas (12-5). Pimblett worked his way out of the bottom position and eventually secured Vargas' back. Buoyed by the raucous support of his fellow Englishmen, Pimblett locked in a rear-naked choke. Vargas tapped moments later and the crowd overwhelmed the arena with their ovation.

Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors champion, improved to 2-0 in the Octagon and extended his active winning streak to four. His debut UFC fight in September followed a similar pattern. Luigi Vendramini put Pimblett in serious danger early in the round before Pimblett turned the tide later into the stanza. Vargas is now 1-3 in the UFC.

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"See this arena, the O2? It's too small," Pimblett told UFC commentator Michael Bisping in the post-fight interview. "Too small. Get me a stadium. Get me to Anfield and we'll fill it."

Pimblett, who shared bad blood with another fighter on the undercard this week in Ilia Topuria, called a bout with Georgian fighter next after Topuria did the same after his bout.