Paddy Pimblett Sets Sights on Benoit Saint Denis for Summer UFC Clash
Paddy Pimblett has strongly indicated his interest in facing Benoit Saint Denis in a potential summer UFC showdown, following the French fighter's emphatic victory at UFC 325. The event, which took place over the weekend, saw Saint Denis deliver a devastating second-round knockout to Dan Hooker in the co-main event, capturing Pimblett's attention as he scouts for his next opponent.
Seeking Redemption After Recent Defeat
The Liverpool-based fighter, known as 'The Baddy', is on a mission to bounce back from his first UFC loss last month against Justin Gaethje. Despite being knocked down twice in the early rounds, Pimblett showed moments of skill but ultimately lost on points. The bout left him with significant injuries, including what he believes is a scratched cornea, and severe facial bruising that was shared online by his wife, Laura.
Pimblett remains undeterred, however, and has already returned to training, dismissing suggestions he might take an extended break. "I'll be back in the gym tomorrow, I'll be back training," he stated in a recent update. "People think I'm going to have to take the rest of the year off - I'm not. I'll be fighting in the summer."
Watching UFC 325 with Intent
Pimblett tuned into UFC 325 with a specific focus on the lightweight matchups, particularly the clash between Saint Denis and Hooker. The event also featured Alexander Volkanovski successfully defending his featherweight title against Diego Lopes, but Pimblett was more interested in the undercard bouts that could shape his future.
In comments made on his YouTube channel, Pimblett explained his mindset: "Dan Hooker's been talking a big game, so he wants to win, really, doesn't he? And then it could be me versus him next in the summer. Could be me versus whoever wins this fight, really, to be honest."
Reaction to Hooker's Loss and Praise for Saint Denis
After Saint Denis secured the knockout win, Pimblett didn't hold back in his reaction to Hooker's defeat, referencing their recent verbal exchanges. "Nice to see Dan get TKOd after the s*** he was chatting," he remarked, before shifting his focus to the victor.
Pimblett expressed admiration for Saint Denis, both as a fighter and a person. "I really like Benoit Saint Denis. I think he's a proper nice fella, and I like his fighting style. He comes to bang, I proper like Saint Denis," he said. However, he made it clear that if a fight between them materialises, he intends to come out on top: "I hope he does well, but obviously, if he's next for me, he's getting finished."
Looking Ahead to a Summer Return
With his recovery underway and training resumed, Pimblett is eager to get back into the octagon. His targeting of Saint Denis adds an intriguing layer to the UFC lightweight division, promising a potential matchup filled with action and intensity. As the summer approaches, fans will be watching closely to see if this hinted bout becomes a reality, marking Pimblett's return to form after a challenging period.
