On Saturday night at UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett got the opportunity he worked for all his life. If he could […]
On Saturday night at UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett got the opportunity he worked for all his life. If he could defeat lightweight legend Justin Gaethje, he would be a UFC champion. Unfortunately, despite his best efforts and showing a lot of heart, he was battered for much of their five-round fight and was defeated by the American.
So what should be next for the English star as he attempts to re-climb the ladder back to the top? We look at five potential options for Paddy Pimblett’s next fight, including a battle with company icon Conor McGregor.
Max Holloway
In March, BMF king Max Holloway will return to action in a title defense against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. If the Brazilian scores an upset over “Blessed” at UFC 326, getting the former featherweight champion in his next fight this summer would make sense for Pimblett. Especially if it is on the UFC White House card.
Conor McGregor
The return of Conor McGregor in 2026 has been one of the biggest topics in the sport. The Irish MMA legend wants to return, and preferably on the UFC White House card. While that isn’t a guarantee, the company would surely like to get its most popular fighter of all time back inside the Octagon.
So far, UFC CEO Dana White has shot down the idea of fights with Michael Chandler and Jorge Masvidal. What about a clash with Pimblett? The press conference leading up to the fight could be epic, and the idea of a clash between Ireland and England’s most popular MMA fighters right now is a very easy sell.
Charles Oliveira
There is a likely flipside to the UFC 326 main event that sees Oliveira fall to Holloway. If that happens, Pimblett vs. Oliveira makes a ton of sense. “Do Bronx” would be way outside the title picture, and Pimblett is deserving of another big fight. If Oliveira is open to the bout, it seems like the most logical booking for both men next if the former lightweight champion loses in March.
Benoit Saint-Denis
Benoit Saint-Denis has earned his spot in the UFC lightweight rankings by going 8-3 in the Octagon, including finishes in all of his victories. If he defeats Dan Hooker this weekend at UFC 325, he is right in the thick of the title contender conversation.
The Frenchman probably won’t get a championship opportunity with a win in his next fight, but if he can extend his win streak to five with a victory over Pimblett in the summer, he would lock up a winter title fight.
Nate Diaz
There have been rumblings for months about Nate Diaz returning to the UFC in 2026. A best-case scenario would be for the Octagon great to return for a trilogy clash with McGregor. However, a scrap with Pimblett would be an intriguing consolation prize.
Like a potential bout with McGregor, the press conference for Diaz vs. Pimblett would be insanity and turn the unexpected matchup into a must-see fight later this year.
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