Paddy Pimblett Ready to Move to Welterweight in Pursuit of Superfight Against Conor McGregor After UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett aims to potentially take on Conor McGregor while acknowledging the star power of the former two divisional champion.

Paddy Pimblett Ready to Move to Welterweight in Pursuit of Superfight Against Conor McGregor After UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett and Conor McGregor (via UFC)

Paddy Pimblett has enjoyed one of the fastest rises in the UFC lightweight division, highlighted by several performances. He established himself as a major name with wins over established contenders before suffering his first UFC defeat at UFC 324 against Justin Gaethje. Now, the English lightweight prepares to face Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 while targeting a future superfight with Irish star Conor McGregor.

Pimblett entered UFC 324 as a legitimate lightweight contender, with many viewing him as a potential title challenger due to his popularity and rising star power. His momentum ended against Gaethje, who controlled key exchanges throughout the contest. ‘The Highlight’ secured the victory after hurting Pimblett with heavy strikes, handing the Liverpudlian his first UFC defeat and halting his rapid climb.

Since losing to Gaethje, Pimblett has remained largely out of the spotlight as he prepares for his return to competition. He has remained confident about bouncing back and is scheduled to face Saint-Denis at UFC 329, with the French contender riding a four-fight winning streak. Pimblett has also turned his attention toward a potential clash with McGregor, who is set to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway.

The perfect fight for me would be Conor. Mad being on the same card as Conor McGregor. The biggest name in the sport, it’s nice for him to be back. This is probably going to be the most-watched UFC of all time. I’m not gonna be the star of the show on this one, definitely not. Conor is. But probably gonna be the second star of the show. If Conor wins and I win, I wanna fight again before the end of the year. I’ll fight him at welterweight, in MSG?

Paddy Pimblett via UFC Europe

Interestingly, Pimblett predicted a future fight with McGregor years ago, after beginning his rise in the UFC. Both fighters built their reputations by dominating Cage Warriors before becoming major UFC stars. The Irishman also acknowledged the matchup on social media while taking a shot at Pimblett.

Many compared Pimblett’s UFC rise to McGregor’s during his rapid climb through the lightweight division. Their ability to attract attention created frequent comparisons throughout Pimblett’s early run. UFC CEO Dana White also believed Pimblett’s rise mirrored many elements of the Irish superstar’s path.

However, relations between McGregor and Pimblett have not always been tense throughout their time in the UFC. The Liverpudlian previously revealed that he and former UFC fighter Molly McCann were hosted by McGregor at Dublin’s Black Forge Inn. Pimblett also said the Irish superstar covered the substantial bill.

UFC lightweight contender Dan Hooker later claimed tensions between McGregor and Pimblett escalated beyond social media. According to Hooker, the former two-division champion went to Pimblett’s house after the English lightweight publicly criticized him. Hooker also alleged Pimblett refused to come outside.

Conor McGregor remains one of the UFC’s biggest draws despite his lengthy absence from competition. As he prepares to face Max Holloway at UFC 329, several fighters have already positioned themselves as future opponents for ‘The Notorious One’. Paddy Pimblett is now the latest name to join that list.

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Paddy Pimblett shuts down talks of an immediate title shot after potential UFC 329 win

Paddy Pimblett enjoyed one of the UFC’s fastest rises with several impressive lightweight performances. Victories over Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, and King Green earned him an interim title opportunity. However, his momentum was halted after suffering defeat at UFC 324.

Before the loss, many believed the UFC was building toward a grudge fight between Pimblett and then-lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Their heated rivalry fueled interest as Pimblett steadily climbed the rankings. Many also noted he moved ahead of several more active contenders before UFC 324.

Paddy Pimblett talks about his next fight
Paddy Pimblett talks about his next fight (via MMA Sucka)

However, the UFC lightweight division was shaken up after UFC Freedom 250. Justin Gaethje dominated Ilia Topuria, who entered the bout as the heavy favorite to retain the lightweight title. The American superstar handed the Spanish-Georgian star the first defeat of his professional career.

The UK star praised Gaethje’s performance and acknowledged the skill gap between himself and the reigning lightweight champion. The Liverpudlian recognized the level Gaethje displayed during his title-winning victory. However, Pimblett has now ruled out an immediate rematch if he wins at UFC 329.

I can’t just beat BSD, who’s Rank 5, and then say I deserve the next title shot. You’ve got to let the UFC do what they do. Obviously, if I can fight for the title after I beat BSD, I would. I don’t think I’m going to be able to, though.

Paddy Pimblett via TMZ

Paddy Pimblett is now targeting a long-awaited grudge fight with Ilia Topuria after calling him out multiple times. A victory against the former lightweight champion would strengthen his position in the division. It could also provide a clear path toward another lightweight title opportunity.

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