Paddy Pimblett reveals how Conor McGregor helped his preparations for UFC 329

Paddy Pimblett has revealed that Conor McGregor’s involvement at UFC 329 has significantly reduced the pressure for his own fight.

‘The Baddy’ faces fellow top-ranked lightweight Benoit Saint–Denis in the co-main event of the Las Vegas show on Saturday before McGregor ends his five-year MMA hiatus against Max Holloway.

Getty

Pimblett has been constantly compared to McGregor throughout his career, particularly when he fought at Cage Warriors, as they shared a similar charismatic personality and both held the promotion’s featherweight championship.

Although Pimblett has repeatedly rejected those comparisons and made his intention to overshadow the Irishman’s legacy clear, you’d think sharing a card with McGregor would add to the emotional burden the Liverpudlian is battling ahead of his return.

However, speaking at the UFC 329 media day on Wednesday, Pimblett explained that McGregor’s presence has actually reduced the weight on his shoulders.

No pressure for Pimblett

“This is just another fight to me,” Pimblett responded when asked how he feels about sharing a card with McGregor.

“I’m back in Vegas fighting again. It’s just a lot less pressure this time because all the pressure’s on Conor.

“He’s got more media than anyone and I’ve normally got the most media, so it’s just another fight.”

Making his prediction for McGregor vs Holloway, Pimblett added: “You never know.

“I think if Conor wins it will have to be in the first two rounds. If it goes past there, Max will probably take over.”

Last time out, Pimblett lost the chance to become the UFC interim lightweight champion against Justin Gaethje.

The defeat, however, has aged like fine wine, as Gaethje has since become the promotion’s undisputed king at 155lbs by emphatically defeating Ilia Topuria at UFC White House last month.

Getty

Getty

Aside from two nasty eye pokes Pimblett sustained during his five-round war with Gaethje, ‘The Baddy’ put the defeat down to his not sticking to the game plan provided by his coaches at Next Generation MMA Liverpool.

Pimblett opted to stand and bang with Gaethje, admitting he let his ego of wanting to throw down and prove himself against the American get in the way.

However, Pimblett has said for Saint-Denis it will be ‘very important’ this time around to do exactly what cornermen Paul Rimmer and Ellis Hampson have set out for him to do at UFC 329.

“That’s how I’ve won all my other UFC fights — putting together a game plan and actually working it,” Pimblett concluded.

“Whereas against Gaethje, I actually bit down on my gumshield and started scrapping. It was pretty stupid from me but you learn from it.”

A win for Pimblett, who is the oddsmakers underdog at UFC 329, would be monumental for his trajectory in the sport.

Getty

UFC 329

Sign up to talkSPORT BET and pick your winner

• Max Holloway to win @ 30/1
• Connor McGregor to win @ 50/1

CLAIM HERE

18+ New customers only. Opt in, deposit & bet max £1 on Conor McGregor v Max Holloway – Conor McGregor To Win the Bout. Get enhanced odds paid in Free Bets, which expire in 7 days. Offer valid until 02:00 UK time on 12/07/2026. Click for T&Cs | GambleAware.org

Massive fights against names like McGregor or bitter rival Topuria could be on the horizon for the 31-year-old if he gets his arm raised.

He is expected to make his walk to the Octagon around 3.30am BST (10.30pm ET, 7.30pm PT).