Paddy Pimblett has expressed willingness to move up in weight and take on Conor McGregor following the two sharing the UFC 329 card. Pimblett indicated he is game for the high-profile matchup if the opportunity presents itself.
Paddy Pimblett has put his name forward to face Conor McGregor, stating he is willing to move up in weight for the marquee matchup after the two share the UFC 329 card on July 11.
Pimblett, 31, enters UFC 329 riding a strong run at lightweight, where he sits sixth in the divisional rankings with a record of 23-4-0. The Liverpool native trains out of Next Generation MMA and has built a reputation as one of the more active strikers in the 155-pound division, landing 5.49 significant strikes per minute at a 52 percent accuracy rate. He also adds a submission threat off his back, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. A move up in weight would take him out of his natural home, but Pimblett has made clear he is open to the challenge if the fight can be made.
McGregor, 37, carries a 22-6-0 record and needs no introduction as one of the sport's most recognizable names. The Dubliner is a southpaw who operates at five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and has historically produced sharp, high-volume output, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute across his UFC career. His ground game leans almost entirely on striking rather than grappling, reflected in a submission attempt rate of just 0.1 per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- A bout between two of MMA's most popular personalities would carry enormous commercial weight.
- Pimblett would be stepping outside his ranked lightweight position, meaning divisional stakes for him are limited, though the exposure would be significant.
- Stylistically, both men are aggressive strikers with similar output rates, and McGregor's southpaw angles against Pimblett's orthodox stance creates an intriguing contrast.
- Pimblett's submission threat is the clearest technical differentiator if the fight reached the ground.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
