Paddy Pimblett Confirms His Next Move

Paddy Pimblett revealed that he has a deal in place to return to the Octagon on Saturday, July 11, for the promotion’s UFC 329 event in Las Vegas.

While the UFC has not formally announced his opponent, Pimblett noted that the contract is finalized, sparking immediate speculation about who will meet him in the cage. This summer appearance will be Pimblett’s first outing since UFC 324 in January.

Pimblett suffered his first professional defeat in the UFC at the hands of Justin Gaethje, losing a hard-fought unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2). The loss snapped a dominant seven-fight win streak and cost Pimblett a chance to headline the June 14 White House card against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Despite the result, the fight showed he was capable of going five rounds with the division’s best fighters. 

Pimblett’s Next Move

“I’ve lost before when I was younger – lost a couple when I was 18 and 22/23. After all them fights, I was proper devastated, like sat there crying and that. I didn’t even cry after [the loss to Gaetje]. I just watched it back the next day and was like, yeah, I could have done this different, could have done that differently. I’ve matured a lot. I know I could have won that fight if certain things had gone my way, but it’s one of those: it was his night.

“I always say it’s destiny he was meant to win. I know I’m going to win the belt, that’s in my destiny. It was just that it wasn’t my time. “So I just have to keep training, working hard, and it will come. The Baddy’ added: “I know there are certain things I’ve got to work on and I’ve already started doing that,” Pimblett said

Rumors are reaching a fever pitch that Conor McGregor will finally make his long-awaited return to headline the July 11 event. If McGregor is confirmed, Pimblett would likely serve as the primary support on the main card. Names like Renato Moicano, Benoît Saint Denis, or a grudge match with Dan Hooker could be realistic options.

“I’m gonna be fighting in 12 weeks. July 11, it’s gonna be,” Pimblett said

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