Justin Gaethje has made it clear he has no interest in a rematch with Paddy Pimblett. The lightweight contender shut down the possibility of the two meeting again inside the octagon.
Justin Gaethje has publicly closed the door on any future matchup with Paddy Pimblett, making clear the lightweight champion has zero desire to share the octagon with the Englishman a second time.
Gaethje, 37, holds a 28-5 record and currently sits atop the lightweight division as champion. The American out of Genesis Training Center is one of the most aggressive finishers in the weight class, landing an impressive 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy — numbers that reflect the relentless pressure style that earned him the nickname "The Highlight."
Pimblett, ranked sixth in the lightweight division, carries a 24-4 record and has built a considerable following since joining the UFC. The 31-year-old from Liverpool is a threat in multiple areas, posting 5.48 significant strikes landed per minute alongside 1.4 submission attempts per 15 minutes, showing the grappling danger he can bring to any opponent. He stands five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach and trains out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool.
Why it matters
- Gaethje's refusal removes what could have been a high-profile rematch at the top of the lightweight division
- Pimblett, ranked sixth, will need to look elsewhere to secure the high-profile bouts that could push him toward a title shot
- The stylistic matchup between Gaethje's volume striking and Pimblett's submission hunting made a potential rematch an intriguing prospect for fans
- With the champion unwilling, the lightweight title picture may now shift toward other contenders ahead of Pimblett in the queue
