Paddy Pimblett Delays Lightweight Return but Open to Welterweight Fights

Paddy Pimblett, a prominent figure in the UFC‘s lightweight division, has confirmed he will not be competing in his weight category for the remainder of 2024. Pimblett rose to the top 15 of the 155-pound division following his victory at UFC 304 in July. However, the English fighter asserts that the prospect of cutting down to lightweight is now too late in the year for him to comfortably achieve.

Pimblett, who carries the moniker “The Baddy,” explained to the Echo that unless he is presented with a high-profile opponent such as former champions Conor McGregor or Colby Covington, he is unlikely to fight again before the end of the calendar year. “I actually said that to my manager. It’s too late now to make lightweight for the UFC events at the end of the year. I’d rather not kill myself trying to make weight – but if they want to get me Colby [Covington] or McGregor at welterweight, I’d do it,” Pimblett stated.

The Liverpudlian has expressed a long-standing interest in facing Conor McGregor, whom he regards as the sport’s biggest star regardless of weight division. “Any MMA fighter who says, ‘No, I wouldn’t fight him’ is lying. Simple as that,” Pimblett remarked. His comments reflect a broader sentiment in mixed martial arts, where McGregor is seen as a desirable opponent due to his stature in the sport.

Despite the challenges of weight management, especially for a cut to lightweight, Pimblett is assertive about his readiness to compete at welterweight, considering some fighters in that division are not significantly larger than him. He noted, “I’d fight either [Covington or McGregor] at welterweight because they aren’t massive welterweights. I don’t think many welterweights are that big compared to me. I only realized how big of a lightweight I am when I fought Bobby [Green].”

Meanwhile, Conor McGregor, who has two fights remaining on his current UFC contract, has not competed since fracturing his tibia against Dustin Poirier in July 2021. McGregor was expected to make a return at UFC 303 against Michael Chandler, but the fight did not eventuate due to McGregor’s subsequent withdrawal. Covington has also been inactive since suffering a foot injury in his title bout against Leon Edwards in December 2023, but talks continue regarding his potential return.

Pimblett had initially planned to face Renato Moicano in December, but the bout was postponed following Moicano’s shoulder injury sustained at UFC Paris. With his return now anticipated for the New Year, Pimblett remains hopeful for a compelling match-up, potentially reshaping his plans if a high-profile proposal arises.