(Video) Paddy Pimblett Proclaims Himself as ‘New Face’ of UFC watching Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 Injury

Paddy Pimblett is all set and ready to replace Conor McGregor as the UFC poster boy after their respective performances at UFC 329.

(Video) Paddy Pimblett Proclaims Himself as ‘New Face’ of UFC watching Conor McGregor’s UFC 329 Injury

Paddy Pimblett talks about Conor McGregor's injury (via UFC, Bleacher Report)

Paddy Pimblett delivered one of the biggest statements of his lightweight career at UFC 329 with a submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis. However, the event’s main attraction failed to meet expectations after Conor McGregor suffered an early injury against Max Holloway. Pimblett addressed the disappointing stoppage during a backstage interview at the T-Mobile Arena following UFC 329.

Pimblett entered the co-main event seeking redemption after his interim lightweight title loss to Justin Gaethje earlier this year. He wasted no time, locking a D’Arce choke after a brief grappling exchange and forcing Saint-Denis unconscious within 52 seconds. The emphatic submission snapped his losing streak and immediately reestablished the Liverpool native among the lightweight division’s leading contenders.

McGregor’s UFC return ended almost immediately after he suffered a serious leg injury during the opening seconds against Holloway. The contest was waved off before either fighter established momentum, resulting in a disappointing conclusion to UFC 329. The unfortunate finish became a major talking point backstage, where Pimblett was asked to share his reaction to McGregor’s injury.

Oh my god, McGregor’s done already? He’s finished, the new boy is in town. I can become the face of the organization now.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC 329 post fight interview

Even before UFC 329, Pimblett openly pursued a future fight against McGregor while rebuilding his lightweight momentum. He viewed the matchup as a major opportunity after returning to winning ways. The former two divisional champion’s injury has now cast doubt over the long-discussed showdown.

Rumors once suggested bad blood between McGregor and Pimblett after UFC lightweight Dan Hooker claimed the Irishman drove to the Brit’s house. The story followed Pimblett publicly criticizing McGregor, fueling speculation about their relationship. However, both fighters dismissed that story before UFC 329.

Before UFC 329, Pimblett publicly showed respect toward McGregor despite pursuing a fight with the former champion. The Liverpudlian admitted feeling overshadowed by McGregor’s unmatched star power. He acknowledged McGregor always commands the crowd whenever he appears.

CEO Dana White previously compared Pimblett’s rise to McGregor’s, noting both entered the UFC as Cage Warriors champions. Pimblett has steadily expanded his profile with high-profile victories and popularity. Continued success could elevate the Merseyside native toward McGregor’s level of stardom.

Conor McGregor now appears set for another lengthy layoff after suffering a serious right knee injury at UFC 329. The setback follows the devastating leg fracture that sidelined him after UFC 264 back in 2021. If he eventually returns, a fight against Paddy Pimblett could still become a major UFC superfight.

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Paddy Pimblett calls out the UFC lightweight division after successful outing at UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett entered UFC 329 facing a major test against Benoit Saint-Denis, who carried a four-fight winning streak into the co-main event. The French contender had recently earned notable victories over Mauricio Ruffy and Dan Hooker. However, the UFC 329 co-main event unfolded very differently.

Days before UFC 329, Pimblett predicted Saint-Denis would have no success against him inside the Octagon. He backed up that confidence with a dominant submission victory in the co-main event. The performance also earned the Liverpudlian a Performance of the Night bonus.

Paddy Pimblett is famous in Korea
Paddy Pimblett is famous in Korea ( via SPORTbible)

Before UFC 329, Pimblett targeted former champion Ilia Topuria and top contender Arman Tsarukyan, questioning their recent activity. The Liverpudlian superstar made it clear he wanted the division’s biggest names. His latest victory suggests ‘The Baddy’ is ready for any challenge ahead.

I want to be the undisputed world champion. I’m gonna do that. That’s my destiny, that’s my fate. Whether it’s my next fight or my next ten fights, anyone can get it.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC 329 post fight press conference

Justin Gaethje now holds the UFC lightweight title after later becoming the undisputed champion at UFC Freedom 250. Pimblett previously suffered a setback against Gaethje in their interim title fight at UFC 324. Despite his UFC 329 victory, the Liverpudlian may need a few more wins to reenter title contention.

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