Paddy Pimblett has expressed interest in fighting Conor McGregor in 2026, with the Liverpudlian willing to move up in weight to make the bout happen. Pimblett is targeting one more fight this year following his bout with Benoit Saint-Denis before potentially pursuing the McGregor matchup.
Paddy Pimblett has indicated he is open to moving up in weight to pursue a fight with Conor McGregor in 2026, though the matchup remains unconfirmed and no formal negotiations have been reported.
Pimblett, 31, holds a 23-4 record and is currently ranked sixth in the UFC lightweight division. The Liverpool native trains out of Next Generation MMA and has built a reputation as an aggressive finisher, averaging 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy while also posting 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes. According to the report, he intends to compete once more this year following his bout with Benoit Saint-Denis before turning attention to the McGregor matchup.
Saint-Denis, ranked ninth at lightweight and nicknamed "God of War," carries a 17-3 record and presents a formidable stylistic test. The 30-year-old southpaw is one of the division's most dangerous grapplers, averaging an elite 4.19 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts in the same window. He also produces heavy striking volume at 5.62 significant strikes per minute and connects at 58 percent accuracy.
McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6 record and has not competed recently. The Irish southpaw from SBG Ireland carries a 74-inch reach and has historically produced significant striking output at 5.32 strikes per minute. He has no noted divisional ranking in the current data, which underscores the unusual nature of the proposed crossover bout. Pimblett moving up in weight would be necessary to bridge the gap between lightweight and whatever weight class the McGregor fight might be sanctioned at.
Why it matters
- A McGregor fight would be among the UFC's highest-profile matchups regardless of division
- Pimblett's willingness to move up in weight adds a layer of complexity to any formal negotiations
- Saint-Denis remains the immediate priority, and that outcome could shape Pimblett's leverage in pursuing the McGregor bout
