TLDR
- Paddy Pimblett will return to fight at UFC 329 in July, approximately twelve weeks after his loss to Justin Gaethje
- Pimblett lost to Gaethje via unanimous decision at UFC 324 in January, with the fight marred by multiple eye pokes
- The Liverpool fighter called Gaethje a ‘dirty bastard’ but expressed respect and hopes for a future rematch
- Gaethje is scheduled to fight Ilia Topuria for the undisputed title in June and has said he’ll retire if he loses
- Potential opponents for Pimblett’s July return include Benoit Saint-Denis or Conor McGregor at International Fight Week
Sources: middleeasy.com | mmamania.com | mmasucka.com
Paddy Pimblett is ready to return to the octagon and wants another chance to face Justin Gaethje. The Liverpool fighter confirmed he will compete at UFC 329 during International Fight Week in July, approximately twelve weeks from now.
Pimblett lost to Gaethje via unanimous decision at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026, in Las Vegas. The judges scored the interim lightweight title bout 48-47, 49-46, 49-46 in favor of Gaethje.
The fight remains controversial due to multiple eye pokes Gaethje landed on Pimblett during the bout. After the fight, Pimblett said his depth perception was compromised because of the eye pokes.
Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje ile rövanş maçı yapmak istiyor:
"Ona karşı sadece saygı duyuyorum ama gözlerime parmak soktuğu için o pis adi bir herif." pic.twitter.com/EKAupYaKXE
— Cage Pulse (@Cage_PulseMMA) April 20, 2026
Pimblett Calls Out Gaethje Despite Respect
Speaking to IFLTV at a boxing event, Pimblett addressed the loss and his desire for a rematch. “I’ve got nothing but respect for him but he’s a dirty bastard poking me in the eyes,” Pimblett said. “So I really hope we get that rematch some day.”
Pimblett said the loss taught him valuable lessons about his career. “I probably learned more from losing that fight than winning seven other UFC fights,” he explained. “At some point in your career you need a loss to realize stuff, and I think that was that point in my career.”
The fighter remains confident in his championship potential. “I’ve always said it’s in me destiny that I’m gonna be the world champion, and I will,” Pimblett stated.
Gaethje credited with two knockdowns over Pimblett during their fight at T-Mobile Arena. While replays showed the eye pokes affected Pimblett, most observers agreed Gaethje was the better fighter that night.
Potential Opponents for July Return
A rematch with Gaethje may not happen immediately. Gaethje is scheduled to fight Ilia Topuria for the undisputed lightweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 on June 13th at the White House event.
Gaethje has previously stated he would retire if he loses to Topuria. This makes a quick rematch with Pimblett unlikely in the near future.
For his July return, Pimblett has other potential opponents. French fighter Benoit Saint-Denis recently called out Pimblett in a video where he referred to him as “roast beef” and challenged him for International Fight Week.
Another possibility is Conor McGregor, who is also set to return during International Fight Week. Both Pimblett and McGregor came to the UFC from CageWarriors, following similar career paths.
An all-European matchup between Pimblett and either Saint-Denis or McGregor could headline the July event. Saint-Denis is considered a tough matchup for anyone in the lightweight division.
Pimblett confirmed his timeline at the boxing event where his teammate and former UFC fighter Molly McCann continued her boxing career. “I’m gonna be back and someone’s getting muftied,” Pimblett said. “I’m coming back for revenge after I lost my last fight.”
The fighter emphasized his readiness to improve. “I’ll be back better and stronger,” Pimblett promised. “And everyone’s gonna see.”
Pimblett’s record now stands at 23-4 overall, with the Gaethje fight marking his first loss inside the UFC octagon after winning his first seven fights with the promotion.
