Former UFC lightweight champion Paddie Pimblett is on the verge of another big fight. The British fighter openly stated his intention to return to the octagon in the summer and mentioned not one, but several famous names on the list of potential opponents. Interestingly, he not only prefers a clash with Frenchman Benoit Saint-Denis, but also doesn't rule out the possibility of fights with even bigger scenarios - Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, or Armand Sarukyan.
In a comment on social media, Pimblett assessed the upcoming clash with Saint-Denis as a very attractive option. He believes this fight could become a major confrontation between two of Europe's strongest lightweight athletes. There is both sensation and confidence in this statement. Because both fighters are distinguished by their attacking style, intense tempo, and fan-friendly fights.
At the same time, Pimblett didn't cling to just one option. He is also monitoring the situation after the UFC 326 bout between Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira. The British athlete expressed his readiness to fight even a defeated fighter in that clash. In addition, he said that he is not against a possible fight with Arman Sarukyan. That is, Pimblett's position is simple: regardless of who he is, if there is a worthy opponent - he is ready.
One of the most impressive aspects of his statement was that Pimblett emphasized that it was enough to clarify the time and place of the fight. He showed his readiness for a summer return with a sharp and confident call: "Just tell me when and where it will be." This means that he wasn't demoralized after the defeat, but rather thirsted for greater competition.
For Pimblett, these calls are not without reason. He recently entered the octagon in the championship-significant UFC 324 bout against Justin Gaethje, where he lost by unanimous decision. This clash was recorded as Pimblett's first defeat in the UFC, and his seven-fight winning streak also came to an end. However, it seems this defeat gave him additional motivation to return to bigger fights.
The UFC has not yet officially announced the next opponent. However, because Pimblett himself openly stated his option, subsequent large-scale lightweight scenarios have already been at the center of discussion. The European derby with Saint-Denis, a big poster with Holloway or Oliveira, or a principled match against Sarucanian - whichever path is chosen, Pimblett's next performance will surely be the focus of fans' attention.
In short, Paddy Pimblett is ready to return to the big stage. Several large doors are open in front of him. Now it's all about how the UFC decides. But one thing is clear: Pimblett doesn't just want to return to the octagon this summer, he wants to make a fuss again.
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