Paddy Pimblett Opens Up on Getting Huge Crowd Ovations Alongside Conor McGregor at UFC 329 Pre-Fight Presser
With Conor McGregor making his return at UFC 329, Paddy Pimblett held his own in fan reception against the Irishman at the pre-fight presser.
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Paddy Pimblett and Conor McGregor (via UFC)
Paddy Pimblett says sharing a UFC card with Conor McGregor for the first time is a memorable milestone as the two fan favorites prepare to compete at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday.
Pimblett faces Benoit Saint Denis in the lightweight co-main event, while McGregor makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon after five years away, headlining the card against Max Holloway. Despite years of comparisons between the two, UFC 329 will be the first time they compete in the same event.
The comparisons date back to Pimblett’s rise in Cage Warriors, where, like McGregor, he captured the promotion’s featherweight title and built a reputation through his outspoken personality before making the jump to the UFC.
Although Pimblett has consistently dismissed claims that he is following in McGregor’s footsteps, he admitted during fight week that sharing the card with the former two-division champion is a special moment in his career. Reflecting on the UFC 329 pre-fight press conference in a video shared on Instagram, Pimblett summed up the experience of getting a massive reception from fans in Vegas.
I’m not getting the biggest pop, big Conor McGregor’s here, but it’s nice to be getting the second biggest pop behind him, you know who the boy is.
Paddy Pimblett via UFC 329 pre-fight press conference
The 31-year-old enters Saturday’s event looking to rebound after suffering the first loss of his UFC career against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. A victory over Saint Denis would strengthen his standing in the lightweight division ahead of another run toward the top contenders.
Conor McGregor’s star power has shifted the spotlight at UFC 329
Paddy Pimblett believes Conor McGregor’s long-awaited return has taken much of the attention away from his own fight, making fight week feel less pressurized than previous appearances. Speaking during UFC 329 media day, he even predicted how the bout with Max Holloway can pan out.
This is just another fight to me. I’m back in Vegas fighting again. It’s just a lot less pressure this time because all the pressure’s on Conor. He’s got more media than anyone, and I’ve normally got the most media, so it’s just another fight. You never know. I think if Conor wins, it will have to be in the first two rounds. If it goes past there, Max will probably take over.
Paddy Pimblett via UFC 329 media day
Pimblett also heads into UFC 329 determined to avoid the mistakes he made in his previous outing. After admitting he abandoned his coaches’ game plan during his five-round loss to Justin Gaethje, he has said sticking to the strategy against Saint Denis will be a priority.
A win in Las Vegas would put him back on track in one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions while McGregor’s comeback headlines the event.
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