Paddy Pimblett could have began 2026 on a down word, however he’s hoping to finish the yr on a excessive.
In January, Pimblett misplaced an interim light-weight title battle to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. This weekend, Pimblett will look to bounce again from his first UFC loss when he takes on Benoit St. Denis within the co-main occasion of UFC 329. In the primary occasion above, Conor McGregor will make his long-awaited return to the Octagon, rematching Max Hollowayin in McGregor’s first battle in 5 years. If each males win, Pimblett believes a matchup with McGregor would take advantage of sense.
“The proper match for me is Conor,” Pimblett stated in a video posted to UFC Europe’s social media accounts.
“It is irritating to be trustworthy, as a result of clearly I received seven fights in a row and I do not assume my inventory went up as a lot as I misplaced the final battle. I’ve overwhelmed guys like Michael Chandler, Bobby Inexperienced, Tony Ferguson and individuals are like, ‘Ew.'” Then I simply acquired hit within the head for 5 rounds and my inventory went up. Folks say I misplaced, however I received, you realize what I imply? ”
Pimblett has been one of the crucial well-liked fighters within the UFC since his debut within the promotion, along with his rabid fan base even drawing comparisons to McGregor. However at UFC 329, even Pimblett is aware of he will not be the star this weekend.
“It is bizarre to be on the identical card as Conor McGregor,” Pimblett stated. “A giant title on this sport. It is nice to have him again. That is in all probability going to be probably the most watched UFC ever. I am not going to be the star of this present. Completely not. Conor is. However I am going to in all probability be the second star of this present.”
And what if the celebrities align and each males win the battle? Pimblett believes it is best to have the UFC’s two largest names battle in Madison Sq. Backyard, probably the most well-known enviornment on this planet.
“If McGregor wins and I win, I’d like to battle once more earlier than the top of the yr,” Pimblett stated. “I will battle him at welterweight at MSG. Is that what it appears like?”
“We’ve to let all the things take its course. We do not know what is going on to occur. Conor has to beat Max, I’ve to beat BSD. As we all know, something can occur. In martial arts, one punch can change the entire space of the sport. The butterfly impact, it could possibly change all the things for all the opposite opponents.”
