Paddy Pimblett Reveals Clue About Next Opponent for Possible July Return

Paddy Pimblett hints at facing a southpaw as he targets a return during International Fight week to rebound from UFC 324 loss.

Paddy Pimblett Reveals Clue About Next Opponent for Possible July Return

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

In Short
  • Paddy Pimblett hints at a possible return during International Fight Week in July.
  • His next opponent is likely to be a southpaw, with Benoit Saint-Denis and Mateusz Gamrot as strong candidates.
  • Pimblett faces increasing scrutiny following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, raising questions about his future in the lightweight division.

Paddy Pimblett was one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster heading into UFC 324, carrying strong momentum in the lightweight division. However, after losing the interim title fight to Justin Gaethje, the Liverpudlian’s stardom has taken a hit. The setback raised questions about his trajectory, with his future appearing uncertain. He has now provided an update on his return and a potential opponent.

Pimblett faced Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title. Pimblett went the full five rounds but ultimately lost via unanimous decision after being outworked across the fight. Gaethje maintained control with consistent pressure and striking output, limiting Pimblett’s ability to impose his grappling. The result came down to The Highlight’s offense and Pimblett’s inability to shift momentum.

Following the defeat, Pimblett has recently hinted at a return to the Octagon and has remained in training. As has often been the case, he once again put on a major amount of weight outside of competition before resuming camp. ‘The Baddy’ has indicated a possible comeback during International Fight Week in July. His latest remarks also suggest that his next opponent could be a southpaw.

Great to have @stungunkim and @ko.seokhyeon in the gym today some perfect rounds for me with some southpaws.

Paddy Pimblett via X

The main name that fits the southpaw description provided by Pimblett is undoubtedly Benoit Saint-Denis. The Frenchman has been on a four-fight win streak since his doctor stoppage loss to Renato Moicano in September 2024, showing steady improvement in his overall control. He would enter the matchup with strong momentum, having most recently defeated Dan Hooker via TKO at UFC 325.

Another strong option is Mateusz Gamrot, who rebounded from his UFC Rio loss to Charles Oliveira with a dominant arm-triangle submission win over Esteban Ribovics at UFC 327. The Polish contender has made his ambitions clear in the division and is actively targeting a high-profile matchup. He also views Pimblett as a favorable opponent after the English fighter criticized his performance at UFC 327.

International Fight Week is expected to feature UFC 329, with several major names linked to the card, including Conor McGregor, who is rumored to be targeting a return. The UFC 327 broadcast also confirmed that Gable Steveson will make his debut. Despite the setback at UFC 324, there is no doubt that fans will be looking forward to seeing Paddy Pimblett back in the Octagon.

UFC lightweight champion reveals why Paddy Pimblett’s performance at UFC 324 was surprising

Before Paddy Pimblett lost to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, many viewed him as a likely contender for a future grudge match with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria, given their ongoing history. Their rivalry dates back to 2022, when the two were involved in an altercation in a hotel lobby during fight week. The tension resurfaced again after Topuria’s UFC 317 title win, where he was seen shoving Pimblett.

Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 324
Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 (via MMA Fighting)

Since that loss, Pimblett has faced increasing criticism, with many pointing to his rapid rise over more active contenders in the division. The UFC’s decision to position him in a title opportunity drew scrutiny following the result against Justin Gaethje, particularly given the competition at lightweight. Topuria also weighed in on the situation, revealing that he was surprised by Pimblett’s performance

I thought that Paddy was gonna win that fight against Justin. I was thinking in myself before that fight that I would face Paddy, because since the first moment that they announced the White House, I always knew that I would be in that event.

Ilia Topuria via Fight Disciples

Ilia Topuria also weighed in on Paddy Pimblett’s future, offering a critical assessment of his skill set. The Georgian-Spanish champion indicated that Pimblett’s approach falls short of the division’s elite level. He suggested that continuing on the same path would limit his chances of reaching title contention. The comments highlight the scrutiny surrounding the Liverpudlian star’s standing after UFC 324.

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