Paddy Pimblett has outlined plans for a summer comeback in the UFC following his first loss in the promotion to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324. The lightweight contender expressed frustration over rankings changes and named several potential opponents. He emphasized his readiness to fight anyone offered.
Paddy Pimblett suffered his first defeat in the UFC, losing a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324 in January. The bout was for the interim lightweight title, during which Gaethje hurt Pimblett multiple times en route to his second interim title victory. At 31 years old, Pimblett holds a 9-1 record in the promotion, including stoppage wins over King Green and Michael Chandler.
Following the loss, Pimblett voiced irritation on his YouTube channel about Benoit Saint Denis advancing ahead of him in the lightweight rankings. Saint Denis secured a stoppage win over Dan Hooker at UFC 325, which took place a week after Pimblett's fight. "To be honest, I’ll be honest with you all, it pissed me off that Saint Denis has moved above me for beating that bum Dan Hooker," Pimblett said. "Why has Saint Denis moved above me for beating the bum Dan Hooker, who’s f*cking shit? What’s going on there?"
Despite the setback and ongoing rivalry with Hooker, Pimblett stated he is open to any matchup the UFC proposes. He highlighted potential fights against Saint Denis, describing it as "Europe’s two best lightweights going at it against each other." Other options include the loser of the Max Holloway-Charles Oliveira bout or Arman Tsarukyan. "I’ll fight anyone," Pimblett said. "I just know whatever name gets sent to me on a contract, I sign it and I fight them. ... F*ck, I’ll fight Arman if you’s want me to. I don’t give a f*ck. I’ll fight anyone."
Pimblett plans to return in the summer, dismissing concerns about recovery time. He reported no injuries or concussion from the fight, only a marked face and sore eyes from pokes. "But I’ll be back in the summer. Just let me know when and where, Hunter, Dana, Sean, and I’m ready to go," he added, addressing UFC executives Hunter Campbell, Dana White, and Sean Shelby.
