Justin Gaethje has poured cold water on the idea of an immediate rematch with Paddy Pimblett, despite Pimblett’s momentum-building win at UFC 329.
Gaethje, who defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision in a five-round interim title fight in January, is considering options for his next move but is not eager to sign on for a second meeting. He has said he does not expect to fight again until sometime in 2027.
Addressing the idea that he and Pimblett are on a collision course, Gaethje dismissed the narrative, saying, "Destined for each other to fight again? No,".
Pimblett recently strengthened his case for another shot at Gaethje with a quick submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329. Since their bout, Pimblett has also said Gaethje’s win over Ilia Topuria at a UFC White House card, where Gaethje claimed a title, helped change his perspective after their fight.
Gaethje, meanwhile, reflected on the wider impact of his upset victory over Topuria. "I think it’s crazy what my story has done for so many people," he said, pointing to reactions from fellow athletes. "Rafael Fiziev, a guy I fought two times, says a very similar thing. I kind of rejuvenated him when I won that fight. Him losing two times to me, having been in there with me two times kind of rejuvenated him. Anthony Joshua, I saw him talking about how you can never forget how real fighting is and how dangerous it is and never becoming too full of yourself. He learned that from that lesson."
"It’s pretty cool across the board, all athletes respect our sport because it’s so humbling, so primal. It’s one on one. It’s freaking awesome."
