Paddy Pimblett is targeting a second fight in 2026 following his bout with Benoit Saint Denis and is willing to move up in weight to make a matchup with Conor McGregor happen. The potential cross-division contest remains unconfirmed.
Reports emerged on June 26 that Paddy Pimblett is open to moving up a weight class to pursue a fight with Conor McGregor, with the Liverpool fighter eyeing the potential matchup as a second outing in 2026 following his scheduled bout with Benoit Saint Denis. No official agreement is in place, and the cross-division contest remains unconfirmed.
Pimblett, 31, holds a professional record of 23 wins and 4 losses and currently sits at number six in the UFC lightweight division. The Scouse fighter out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool stands five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach and brings serious offensive pressure, averaging 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy. He also poses a submission threat, averaging 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Standing in his immediate path is Benoit Saint Denis, ranked ninth at lightweight. The 30-year-old Frenchman carries a 17-3 record and is one of the division's most active grapplers, averaging an impressive 4.19 takedowns per 15 minutes alongside 1.8 submission attempts. Saint Denis lands 5.62 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy, making him a well-rounded and dangerous opponent for Pimblett first.
McGregor, 37, holds a 22-6 record and last competed at welterweight. The Irishman out of SBG Ireland stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach and has historically been one of the sport's most prolific strikers, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute. A move to welterweight by Pimblett would be required to bridge the divisional gap between the two.
Why it matters
- A Pimblett-McGregor fight would cross divisional lines, requiring Pimblett to move up from lightweight to welterweight
- Pimblett's current ranking at number six in lightweight gives the matchup real commercial and competitive weight
- Saint Denis at number nine presents a legitimate ranked test before any superstar pairing could be seriously entertained
