Paddy Pimblett’s remarkable unbeaten run in the UFC came to a halt on Saturday night as he suffered the first loss of his promotional career, falling to Justin Gaethje in a brutal interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324 in Las Vegas.
The five-round war lived up to expectations, with Pimblett showing heart and durability but ultimately coming up short against one of the division’s most experienced and dangerous competitors. The defeat marked a significant moment in Pimblett’s rise — not a derailment, but a reality check at the elite level.
The 31-year-old Liverpudlian was taken straight to hospital following the bout and did not attend the post-fight press conference. Despite the loss, UFC president Dana White praised Pimblett, reiterating his belief that the outspoken fan favorite remains among the lightweight division’s top talents.
With recovery now the immediate priority, attention has quickly shifted to the bigger question: what comes next for Paddy Pimblett?
A High-Risk Return: Arman Tsarukyan
One of the first names linked to Pimblett’s return is Arman Tsarukyan, and it would be a serious test.
Tsarukyan, currently ranked near the very top of the lightweight division, wasted little time criticizing Pimblett after UFC 324, claiming the Englishman had been “gifted” opportunities on his way up the rankings. The two have exchanged verbal jabs from afar, particularly after Tsarukyan was overlooked for the interim title fight.
Stylistically, Tsarukyan represents a nightmare matchup. He is a well-rounded fighter with elite wrestling, improving striking, and a relentless pace. He is riding a five-fight unbeaten streak and has just one loss in his last 11 fights.
For Pimblett, however, the risk comes with enormous reward. A win over Tsarukyan would instantly silence critics and thrust him right back into title contention. It’s the kind of fight that would define whether Pimblett truly belongs among the division’s elite.
A Personal Grudge: Dan Hooker
Few expected Paddy Pimblett vs Dan Hooker to become one of the most heated potential matchups of the year — yet here we are.
What began as casual trash talk escalated quickly into deeply personal territory. Pimblett took aim at Hooker’s grappling credentials with an offensive comment involving Hooker’s mother, prompting the New Zealander to fire back by referencing the death of Pimblett’s close friend.
The war of words has created genuine animosity, and the UFC has never shied away from booking emotionally charged grudge matches.
From a competitive standpoint, Hooker may represent a more manageable return. Ranked sixth in the lightweight division — one spot below Pimblett — he offers name value, excitement, and a winnable stylistic matchup compared to the top five contenders.
A Pimblett vs Hooker fight would almost certainly be a Fight Night main event and deliver fireworks both inside and outside the cage.
A Homecoming Opportunity: UFC London or Liverpool
With UFC London scheduled for 21 March, Pimblett’s popularity could push the promotion to make an exception and host another major UK event — or even a historic return to Liverpool.
Pimblett last fought in his hometown in 2018, the same year the UFC last staged an event there. Since then, his star power has exploded, and he would be a guaranteed headliner and instant sell-out.
A homecoming fight would offer Pimblett emotional momentum and a supportive environment as he looks to bounce back from adversity.
A Future Mega Fight: Oliveira or Holloway?
Before Ilia Topuria announced a temporary hiatus, Pimblett had been loosely linked to a potential clash with Charles Oliveira. That matchup is now on hold, as Oliveira prepares to face Max Holloway for the BMF title on 7 March in Las Vegas.
While the BMF belt is symbolic, it has become a badge of honor for the UFC’s most exciting fighters. Holloway currently holds the title, while Oliveira sits at No. 2 in the lightweight rankings.
Depending on Pimblett’s recovery timeline, a fight against the winner could make perfect sense — offering both a rankings boost and a blockbuster return against a legendary name.
What This Loss Really Means
Pimblett’s defeat to Gaethje was not a collapse — it was a test by fire. He proved he can compete at the highest level, even if the result didn’t go his way.
Now, the challenge shifts from hype to resilience.
How Pimblett responds — who he fights next, and how he performs — will define the next chapter of his UFC career.
