Gaethje rules out quick Pimblett rematch after UFC lightweight title reign begins

Justin Gaethje has no interest in a quick rematch with Paddy Pimblett, even after the Liverpudlian’s eye-catching submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 thrust him back into the lightweight title conversation. Speaking on the Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday, the reigning UFC lightweight champion was blunt when asked whether the two were destined to meet again: “No.”

Gaethje’s path to the title ran directly through Pimblett. In January, as a considerable underdog, he outworked the Liverpudlian on the feet across five rounds to claim a unanimous decision in an interim title fight — a performance widely regarded as a Fight of the Year candidate. He then completed his unlikely championship run by dethroning Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House card in June.

Pimblett has since spoken openly about how difficult he found the aftermath of that January defeat, but credited Gaethje’s win over Topuria as a turning point in his mindset. Gaethje acknowledged those comments with genuine warmth, even if a rematch remains off the table for now.

The champion reflected on the broader impact his upset victory over Topuria has had beyond MMA, noting that Rafael Fiziev — a fighter he has beaten twice — told him the win reinvigorated his own career. Gaethje also referenced Anthony Joshua publicly drawing lessons from the fight about the dangers of complacency.

“I think it’s crazy what my story has done for so many people,” Gaethje said. “It’s pretty cool across the board — all athletes respect our sport because it’s so humbling, so primal. It’s one on one. It’s freaking awesome.”

As for what comes next, Gaethje has previously indicated he considered retirement before deciding to continue competing. He is not expected to return to the octagon until sometime in 2027, leaving the lightweight division to sort out its contenders in the meantime.