UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett (23-4) has called out interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje (27-5-0) for a rematch.
Pimblett suffered a unanimous decision loss to Gaethje (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) on January 24 at UFC 324 in his first UFC loss. The defeat ended his seven-fight win streak, as Paddy missed out on the UFC White House card on June 14 against the lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Pimblett is still livid over what he describes as eye pokes by Justin, calling him a dirty fighter. Paddy claimed that multiple inadvertent eye pokes severely compromised his vision during the fight. Pimblett has said he will return at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, in Las Vegas, as fans wait for his next move.
“Everyone loses, that’s how you learn. That’s how you get better. I probably learned more from losing that fight than I did from winning seven other UFC fights… I’ll be back better and stronger, and everyone’s going to see. I’ve always said it’s my destiny that I’ll be the world champion and I will. Hopefully I can get the rematch with Gaethje. I’ve got nothing but respect for him but he’s a dirty bastard for poking me in the eyes,” Paddy saidÂ