Paddy Pimblett confirms UFC 329 comeback as he starts 12-week training camp
Paddy Pimblett has said he will make his fighting return at UFC 329 on July 11.
‘The Baddy’ unsuccessfully challenged for the interim lightweight title in his last bout, losing a unanimous decision to Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324.
Pimblett sustained nasty injuries to his eyes during the fight, but made a quick recovery and was back in the gym within a matter of weeks.
Having revealed in March that he is targeting a UFC return during the promotion’s international fight week in July, Pimblett has now confirmed a July comeback is indeed the case.
Pimblett’s 12-week training camp underway
“I’m just starting [my camp],” Pimblett said on The Wayne Rooney Show via BBC Sport this week.
“I’m going to be fighting in 12 weeks or something, but I’m just starting my diet now.”
Pimblett was later asked about a specific date for his return and he responded: “11th of July, it’s going to be.
“The World Cup is on, but I’ll go out 11 or 12 days before.”
The UFC announced its 14th International Fight Week this month, with UFC 329 on July 11 as the main attraction of the action-packed lineup, which includes a Power Slap and Zuffa Boxing event.
Newly signed heavyweight star Gable Steveson is the only announced fighter to feature on the card to date.
However, Conor McGregor is in the running to make his long-awaited comeback on the summer show, which could end up overshadowing the promotion’s White House event in June.
Max Holloway is reportedly the frontrunner to welcome McGregor back to the UFC for a rematch of their Boston bout in 2013.
Pimblett, meanwhile, has said numerous times that he will be back fighting in the summer, with a UFC title still his main priority.
The Liverpudlian’s loss to Gaethje, who now fights Ilia Topuria in the main event of UFC White House, was the first of his career in Dana White’s promotion.
“I’ve lost before when I was younger – lost a couple when I was 18 and 22/23,” Pimblett responded when asked how he’s reacted to the Gaethje defeat in the following months.
“After all them fights, I was proper devastated, like sat there crying and that. I didn’t even cry after [the loss to Gaetje].
“I just watched it back the next day and was like, yeah, I could have done this different, could have done that differently.
“I’ve matured a lot. I know I could have won that fight if certain things had gone my way, but it’s one of those: it was his night.
“I always say it’s destiny he was meant to win. I know I’m going to win the belt, that’s in my destiny. It was just that it wasn’t my time.
“So I just have to keep training, working hard, and it will come.”
‘The Baddy’ added: “I know there are certain things I’ve got to work on and I’ve already started doing that.”
Pimblett enjoyed a family holiday to Tenerife earlier this month, alongside head coach Ellis Hampson.
The 31-year-old explained that he was working on things to improve every morning with Hampson, with his return now just three months away.
Who could Pimblett fight next?
Pimblett is almost certain to fight someone ranked in the top 10 at lightweight next.
He could face a name like Mateusz Gamrot, whom he slammed for being ‘boring’ while watching the Pole’s victory at UFC 327.
Benoit Saint Denis, Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker are other potential opponents below him in rankings.
Meanwhile, a win over No. 1 contender Arman Tsarukyan or BMF champion Charles Oliveira would put Pimblett straight back into title contention.
UFC Schedule
For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.
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