​Paddy Pimblett rode a wave of mixed emotions when he witnessed Conor McGregor hit the deck at UFC 329. McGregor’s eagerly anticipated comeback after a five-year layoff ended in heartbreak for his fans, as a leg injury left him unable to continue and a swift knockout by Max Holloway after just 69 seconds. The moment starkly showcased a version of McGregor that didn’t resemble the two-division champion many remember, and the abrupt conclusion left spectators questioning whether he could ever reclaim his prime.
The UFC surfaced a clip capturing Pimblett reacting in real time to McGregor’s defeat, and his initial response suggested he saw a potential opportunity to ascend as a leading figure in the promotion. “What’s happened?” Pimblett exclaimed. “Oh my God, McGregor’s done already? Well, he’s finished, the new boy is in town. The main man’s here. I can become the face of the organization now.” Those quick-fire comments hinted at Pimblett’s rising confidence and the belief that McGregor’s stumble could clear a path for him to become one of the sport’s defining stars.
During the post-fight press conference, Pimblett offered a softer, more empathetic perspective on McGregor’s setback. He described the moment as sad and pointed to the demanding nature of the sport, emphasizing the need for consistent activity to endure the rigors of competition. “It was sad to see,” Pimblett reflected. “But that’s the thing with this sport, you’ve got to stay consistent, you’ve got to keep fighting, and I think where he hasn’t fought in so long, his body couldn’t keep up with it. Coming out and throwing a crazy kick like that, first thing, his knee just collapsed underneath him.” He added a note of sympathy, acknowledging McGregor’s dedication to a comeback and the disappointment of seeing that effort end so abruptly in the opening seconds. “I feel bad for him. He’s put so much into coming back and getting back in the octagon and that happens in the first five seconds, you’ve got to feel for him.”
Pimblett’s trajectory within the UFC has been marked by rapid ascent since joining the promotion in 2021. He opened his tenure with a seven-fight winning streak, securing notable triumphs over seasoned veterans such as Michael Chandler, Diego Ferreira, and Tony Ferguson. Yet, he encountered a setback this past January when he suffered a loss in an interim lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje. Still, Pimblett showed resilience on Saturday, delivering a dramatic performance by submitting top-10 ranked Benoît Saint-Denis in a mere 52 seconds, a victory that reinforced his rising status and charisma inside the cage.
The Las Vegas crowd’s fervent reception only amplified Pimblett’s sense of self-importance as a potential future marquee attraction for the UFC. He understands the demand from fans and the energy that surrounds his own fights, but his focus remains squarely on cementing his own place at the pinnacle of the sport. “I want to be a world champion,” Pimblett asserted with conviction. “I want to be undisputed champion of the world. I want to be the first-ever world champion from Liverpool, and I’m going to do that. I know that’s in my destiny, I know that’s in my fate, whether it’s in the next fight or the next 10 fights. I’m going to be a world champion. It’s that simple.” He didn’t stop there, signaling his readiness to take on any opponent who stands in his path.
If the next steps unfold as Pimblett predicts, fans could see him pursuing a range of high-profile matchups. “If you want me to fight Justin next, if you want me to fight ‘Posh Boy’ [Arman Tsarukyan] next, if you want me to fight ‘Chorizo’ [Ilia Topuria], if you want me to fight Charles [Oliveira] next, anyone can get it,” he declared, signaling a willingness to meet any challenge to secure a shot at UFC gold. As Pimblett continues to rise, the question remains whether he can sustain the momentum, navigate the sport’s demanding schedule, and eventually claim the title he envisions for himself and his hometown.