Paddy Pimblett would never rule out a big payday against Conor McGregor, but he’s also got the UFC lightweight title on his mind.
Pimblett was close to getting his chance at fighting for undisputed UFC gold when he met Justin Gaethje back in January. “The Baddy” fell short, dropping a unanimous decision to “The Highlight.” Gaethje went on to stop Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 to become the undisputed 155-pound king.
Now that he’s had some time to heal and reflect, Pimblett is looking to get back in the win column. He’s scheduled to face Benoit Saint Denis in the UFC 329 co-headliner on July 11. It’s the same card that will be headlined by Conor McGregor’s return against Max Holloway.
During an interview with MMA legend Demetrious Johnson, “The Baddy” said that he’s open to facing McGregor at 170 pounds if the “Notorious” one needs a dance partner. Ultimately, Pimblett’s main goal is to capture the UFC Lightweight Championship (via MMAJunkie).
“I want to win this lightweight belt, defend it, and then I’m going to eventually move up to welterweight,” Pimblett said. “I’d love to get the rematch with Justin (Gaethje). Arman’s probably in front of me. I know he wants a rematch with Charles, so Charles is probably in front of me. I would like to fight again before the end of the year. If Conor McGregor needs a welterweight opponent before the end of the year, I’m game.”
As Pimblett mentioned, the likes of Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira are ahead of him in the 155-pound title race even if he were to pull off a victory over Saint Denis. “The Baddy” could pull ahead with two more wins and whether or not he could snag a big fight with McGregor along the way remains to be seen.
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