Justin Gaethje rejects Paddy Pimblett rematch

The UFC champion shuts down Pimblett’s call for a title rematch.

Justin Gaethje has responded to Paddy Pimblett’s challenges and doesn’t seem particularly thrilled.

In the co-main event of 329, Paddy Pimblett defeated Benoît Saint Denis via submission after just 52 seconds, marking a successful comeback after his loss to Justin Gaethje in January.

Back then, Justin Gaethje dominated throughout the fight and ultimately won by decision. He secured the interim lightweight title and went on to be crowned the undisputed champion in June after a surprise victory over Ilia Topuria.

After his loss to Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett was initially far from a title shot. However, thanks to his strong victory last weekend, he now seems to be back in the conversation. In any case, he has challenged many big names.

“I’ll beat Ilia up, I’ll f***ing rematch Justin, I’ll fight Conor or Max next, I don’t give a f***. Give me anyone and I’ll punch their head in.”

he said.

Some of those fights might be realistic, but it doesn't look like there will be a direct shot at the title anytime soon after Justin Gaethje.

“Destined for each other to fight again? No. No, no, no.”

he said in an interview.

This suggests he isn't really interested in a rematch. He also turned down a rematch against Ilia Topuria and ruled out that scenario as well. So it remains to be seen who his next opponent will be, but ultimately, the decision rests with the UFC anyway.

One possible challenger would be Arman Tsarukyan, who is currently ranked No. 2 in the UFC lightweight rankings, but the UFC doesn’t seem to have been very convinced by him in the past. Due to numerous negative headlines, Dana White has even spoken publicly about his displeasure with Arman Tsarukyan. That raises the question of whether the UFC would go along with it.

There are some very interesting future options opening up for Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje. Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t get to see a fight between the two of them, but I’m sure we’ll still see an exciting matchup. Who would you like to see them face?