Paddy Pimblett has commenced preparations for his next UFC bout, even though he is not yet at peak physical condition.
Pimblett has indicated a potential return at UFC 329, scheduled for International Fight Week this year. A rumored opponent is Benoit Saint-Denis, with a possible clash on July 11th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Saint-Denis has also hinted that the British fighter could be his opponent for the same event.
The fighter, known as “The Baddy,” last entered the Octagon at UFC 324 in January. He faced Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title but was unsuccessful, losing by unanimous decision.
The fight clearly took its toll, as Pimblett sustained significant punishment. He exited the Octagon with multiple facial cuts and other injuries.
Paddy Pimblett Begins UFC 329 Camp Early While Still Recovering
In a recent video shared on his YouTube channel, Paddy Pimblett showcased footage from a training session with veteran UFC fighter Dong Hyun Kim at his gym. “The Baddy” revealed that he has already started preparing for a potential UFC 329 appearance, despite still recovering from injuries sustained in his previous fight against Justin Gaethje.
“I still feel like I’m getting back into it,” Pimblett stated. “I don’t feel as sharp as I need to be. That’s why we’ve started camp a bit earlier. I’m still dealing with a couple of minor issues, a couple of injuries. So, hopefully, over the next few weeks, they’ll subside, and I can focus more on my training.”
Pimblett’s loss to Gaethje marked his first defeat in the UFC, ending a streak of seven consecutive wins. The 31-year-old Scouser has notable victories against Michael Chandler, King Green, and Tony Ferguson. He currently holds a 7-1 record in the UFC, with an overall professional record of 23-4.