Paddy Pimblett has set his sights on a future rematch with Justin Gaethje after watching Gaethje become the undisputed UFC lightweight champion.
Gaethje defeated Pimblett by unanimous decision in an interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 in January, then went on to unify the belts against Ilia Topuria at an event called UFC White House, where his corner stopped the fight at the end of Round 4.
"Weird to say, but Monday morning watching that, came in more motivated," Pimblett said while reflecting on Gaethje’s title-clinching win. He added, "I went five rounds with Gaethje and was pushing the pace to the very end. I didn’t quit. I kept coming forward trying to finish the fight. And I think I won 3 and 5, so he beat me 3-2. One of the judges agreed."
Pimblett also reiterated his belief that their first meeting was affected by fouls, saying, "And if a lot of different things didn’t happen in that fight like eye gouges and low blows and then faking low blows, then it would have been a different fight. We’ve got to get on with it now. No point crying over spilled milk. I just hope I get to fight again. As I say, he’s the undisputed champion now. I went five rounds with the undisputed champion of the world."
Next, Pimblett is scheduled to face Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas, with the winner described as being in strong position for a future championship opportunity.
