Paddy Pimblett open to weight jump for Conor McGregor fight in 2026

Reports indicate that Paddy Pimblett has expressed openness to moving up in weight to secure a future clash with Conor McGregor, with the Liverpool fighter targeting the bout as a second outing in 2026 following his scheduled lightweight contest against Benoit Saint Denis. The story has not been officially confirmed.

Pimblett, 31, carries a 23-4-0 record and sits sixth in the lightweight division, representing Next Generation MMA Liverpool. Standing five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach, "The Baddy" is an active and precise striker, landing 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, while also posing a consistent submission threat at 1.2 attempts per 15 minutes. Standing between him and any McGregor conversation is ninth-ranked Frenchman Benoit Saint Denis, who brings a 17-3-0 record and arguably the more dangerous all-round profile of the two lightweights. "The God of War" lands 5.62 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy and is a relentless wrestling threat, averaging 4.19 takedown attempts per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same window.

McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6-0 record and has not competed in some time. The Irishman out of SBG Ireland stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and built his reputation on sharp southpaw striking, landing 5.32 significant strikes per minute across his career, though at a modest 49 percent accuracy rate.

Why it matters

• Pimblett moving to welterweight would represent a significant physical and competitive step up, making the reported willingness noteworthy.
• A McGregor fight, if it materialised at 170 pounds, would sit outside the lightweight title picture both men are otherwise connected to.
• The Saint Denis bout first needs to resolve before any 2026 second fight becomes realistic, and the unconfirmed nature of the McGregor interest adds further uncertainty.