Paddy Pimblett reveals comeback date in major health update after Justin Gaethje loss

Feb 2, 2026 - 12:00

Paddy Pimblett is feeling good and expects to make his UFC comeback as early as this summer.

‘The Baddy’ was beaten and bruised by Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324 last month, losing the chance to win his first title in Dana White‘s promotion.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: Paddy Pimblett of England is interviewed following his UFC lightweight interim championship bout during the UFC 324 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) — Pimblett absorbed significant damage in his last fight — but has revealed he’s almost made a full recovery

Gaethje vs Pimblett generated record-breaking viewing figures as part of the UFC’s first event in its new broadcast deal with Paramount+.

One of the biggest talking points after the show was the future of Pimblett, who looked worse for wear in images shared by his wife, Laura, the following day.

Pimblett shared an initial update on his wellbeing a few days after the fight, stating that he had ‘no injuries’ from the war with Gaethje.

The 31-year-old has now spoken on camera for the first time since the defeat, and things are looking positive after fears he may have needed time out of the sport due to the facial injuries.

Paddy Pimblett: I’ll be fighting in summer

“The one thing that has made me laugh, though, I did say before the fight, I want to make his face look different,” a smiling Pimblett explained on his YouTube channel.

‘The Baddy’ sat down to give his reaction to the main card fights at UFC 325, but wanted to give his fans an update on his return before.

“And for a couple of days, he made my face look different! I had big shiners,” he continued.

“Laura put a post up on, and all the pages were saying Paddy Pimblett four days after his fight — that was the next day, that was at its worst.

“I had big puffy eyes, but as you can see now, it’s a week later, there’s nothing wrong with me.

“The only thing that’s up with me is I’ve probably got a scratched cornea here.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 24: Paddy Pimblett of England punches Justin Gaethje in the UFC lightweight interim championship bout during the UFC 324 event at T-Mobile Arena on January 24, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) — Pimblett was commended for his heart to stand and bang with Gaethje for 25 minutes at UFC 324

Paddy Pimblett — People suspected that he would need months out of training recover from the Las Vegas beating, but Pimblett is getting back to business this week

“But I’ll be back in the gym tomorrow [February 2], I’ll be back training.

“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.”

Pimblett eyes potential fight with ‘God of War’ after UFC 325

Pimblett then enjoyed the fights from UFC 325 this past weekend.

The Liverpudlian had a vested interest in the lightweight bouts on the main card, especially Dan Hooker’s co-main event with Benoit Saint Denis.

Pimblett and Hooker haven’t seen eye to eye this year, trading verbal blows online about one another’s personal lives.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Dan Hooker of New Zealand reacts after a TKO loss against Benoit Saint Denis of France in a lightweight fight during the UFC 325 event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) — Hooker could have been Pimblett’s opponent if he was successful at UFC 325

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: (L-R) Benoit Saint Denis of France elbows Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 325 event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) — But the New Zealander was stopped by Saint Denis in the second round

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 01: Benoit Saint Denis of France reacts after a TKO victory against Dan Hooker of New Zealand in a lightweight fight during the UFC 325 event at Qudos Bank Arena on February 01, 2026 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) — ‘God of War’ moves to No. 6 in the lightweight rankings and may face Pimblett next

“Dan Hooker’s been talking a big game, so he wants to win, really, doesn’t he?” Pimblett said.

“And then it could be me versus him next in the summer. Could be me versus whoever wins this fight, really, to be honest.”

Pimblett was linked to a lower-ranked opponent for his next fight following his defeat to Gaethje.

Hooker sat just one place below him in No. 6 ahead of UFC 325, but was brutally stopped by Benoit Saint Denis on the Sydney card.

“Nice to see Dan get TKOd after the s*** he was chatting,” Pimblett said in response to Hooker’s loss before teasing a potential future fight with ‘BSD’.

“He probably enjoyed me losing last week — that was probably a generational hate watch for him.

“I never got finished, though. 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. I hope he does well, but obviously, if he’s next for me, he’s getting finished.

“And Hooker, unlucky mate.”

Pimblett was called out by fellow lightweight Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 325 and has been named by many of the sport’s biggest stars, including Colby Covington, for a future fight.

‘The Baddy’ hopes Gaethje goes on to win the undisputed title from reigning champion Ilia Topuria, so he can have a rematch with ‘The Highlight’ for the belt down the line.