Paddy Pimblett has expressed a desire to fight again later in 2026 following his bout with Benoit Saint-Denis, and is willing to move up in weight to face Conor McGregor. The potential superfight remains unconfirmed.
Paddy Pimblett has indicated he is willing to move up in weight to pursue a fight with Conor McGregor in 2026, with the Liverpool native eyeing the potential matchup after his upcoming bout with Benoit Saint-Denis. No official agreement is in place, and the proposed superfight remains unconfirmed at this stage.
Pimblett, 31, carries a 23-4-0 record and is currently ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division. Fighting out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool, the orthodox striker lands an impressive 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, and averages 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes, underlining the well-rounded threat he presents at 155 pounds. That he is willing to leave his natural weight class speaks to the appeal of the McGregor name.
Pimblett's scheduled opponent, Benoit Saint-Denis, holds a 17-3-0 record and sits ninth in the lightweight rankings. The 30-year-old southpaw from France is one of the division's most dangerous grapplers, averaging 4.19 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same span. He also connects at 58 percent striking accuracy, making him a genuine all-around threat.
McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6-0 record and remains one of the sport's biggest names despite an extended absence from competition. The Irishman out of SBG Ireland is a southpaw who has historically competed at both featherweight and lightweight, and owns a 74-inch reach that has long been a weapon in his striking arsenal.
Why it matters
- A McGregor fight would require Pimblett to move above lightweight, adding a physical variable to an already complex negotiation
- Pimblett at ranked sixth and McGregor effectively unranked means divisional stakes are minimal, but the commercial appeal is enormous
- Both men are high-volume strikers, which would make any potential stand-up exchange compelling on paper
- The report is unconfirmed, and Pimblett must first navigate the Saint-Denis fight before any such plan becomes realistic
