Paddy Pimblett wants to squeeze in another fight this year following his bout with Benoit Saint Denis and is willing to move up in weight to face Conor McGregor. The potential matchup between the two Irish and English fan favorites would be a significant crossover bout if it materializes.
Reports emerged on June 26 that Paddy Pimblett has expressed openness to moving up in weight to take on Conor McGregor in 2026, though nothing has been officially confirmed between the two camps.
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 Baddy is a high-volume striker who lands 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy and adds a constant submission threat, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. He is reportedly looking to fit in another bout following his scheduled lightweight clash with Benoit Saint Denis before potentially pursuing any crossover opportunity against McGregor.
Saint Denis, the ninth-ranked lightweight at 30 years old, brings a formidable wrestling-heavy game to that matchup. The Frenchman lands 5.62 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 58 percent accuracy and averages 4.19 takedowns per 15 minutes — one of the higher rates in the division — making him a stern test before any weight-class jump becomes relevant.
McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6-0 record and carries the kind of global star power that turns any potential pairing into a commercial event. The Notorious operates out of SBG Ireland and sits at five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach, landing 5.32 significant strikes per minute in his UFC appearances.
Why it matters
- Pimblett is a top-ten lightweight contender; a move up in weight would represent a significant departure from his divisional path.
- McGregor's divisional status is currently unspecified, meaning the weight class for any such bout remains unclear.
- Both fighters carry large fan bases in the British Isles, giving any eventual booking strong pay-per-view appeal.
- As an unconfirmed report, the matchup faces several variables — including Pimblett's upcoming fight with Saint Denis — before it could take shape.
