Patrick Mark Pimblett, known to fight fans around the world as Paddy “The Baddy,” has become one of the most recognizable figures in the UFC lightweight division. Born in Liverpool on January 3, 1995, the English fighter has built a reputation for his finishing ability, charismatic personality, and deep connection to his hometown. From his early days on the regional scene to competing on the sport’s biggest stage, Pimblett’s career has been marked by rapid growth and significant moments.
After a nine-fight winning streak in the UFC, Pimblett suffered his first promotional loss in a high-stakes interim title bout. Now, he is preparing for a return to the octagon against a dangerous French contender. This article covers his upcoming fight, career record, personal life, and what fans can expect next.
What Is Paddy Pimblett’s Next Fight?
Paddy Pimblett is scheduled to return to the octagon on July 11, 2026, at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The event, which features Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2 as the headliner, will take place at the T-Mobile Arena. Pimblett will face French lightweight Benoît Saint Denis in a bout that carries significant implications for the division’s top contender picture.
The fight comes after Pimblett’s first UFC loss, a unanimous decision defeat to Justin Gaethje for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship at UFC 324 on January 24, 2026. That performance earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors and a $100,000 bonus. Pimblett will look to rebound against Saint Denis, a dangerous grappler and striker who has quickly risen through the lightweight ranks.
UFC 329 takes place on July 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event is headlined by Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway 2. Pimblett vs. Saint Denis is expected to be one of the featured bouts on the main card.
Paddy Pimblett vs. Benoît Saint Denis: What to Expect
Benoît Saint Denis, a French lightweight known for his relentless pressure and finishing ability, presents a significant challenge. Both fighters are coming off losses — Saint Denis was submitted by Dustin Poirier in 2024 — and will be eager to re-enter the win column. Pimblett, a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, will likely look to use his grappling advantage, while Saint Denis will aim to impose his pace and power on the feet.
UFC 329 is scheduled for July 11, 2026, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The event will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view in the United States and via UFC Fight Pass in other regions. Check local listings for broadcast details.
What Is Paddy Pimblett’s Fight Record and Last Fight?
Paddy Pimblett holds a professional MMA record of 24 wins and 4 losses (24–4–0). Of those 24 victories, 7 have come by knockout, 11 by submission, and 6 by decision. His most recent bout was a loss to Justin Gaethje on January 24, 2026, at UFC 324, where he competed for the Interim UFC Lightweight Championship. The fight went the distance, with Gaethje winning by unanimous decision. Both men received Fight of the Night honors for their performance.
Prior to that defeat, Pimblett had won nine consecutive fights in the UFC, a streak that included victories over notable names such as Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, and King Green. His win over Chandler in April 2025, where he stopped the former Bellator champion via strikes in the third round, was arguably the biggest victory of his career.
Some sources list Pimblett’s record as 23–4–0, while others show 24–4–0. The difference likely depends on whether the Michael Chandler win (April 2025) and the Gaethje loss (January 2026) have been included in the database. The most recent official UFC stats and Wikipedia list the record at 24–4–0.
Paddy Pimblett’s UFC Record and Career Stats
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Record | 24 Wins – 4 Losses |
| UFC Record | 13 Wins – 3 Losses (approx.) |
| Win Methods | 7 KO, 11 Sub, 6 Decision |
| Favorite Submissions | Rear-Naked Choke, Triangle Choke, Peruvian Necktie |
| Striking Accuracy | ~52% (5.48 SLpM) |
| Takedown Accuracy | 21% (0.69 Takedowns per Minute) |
| Streak | 9-fight win streak prior to Jan 2026 loss |
| Awards | 1 Performance of the Night, 1 Fight of the Night ($100k) |
What Are Paddy Pimblett’s Personal Details?
Beyond his fighting career, fans are consistently curious about Pimblett’s physical attributes, family life, and personal interests. Standing 5’10” (178 cm) with a 73-inch reach, he competes in the UFC lightweight division at 155 lbs. He is a 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and trains out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool.
Family and Personal Life
Pimblett married Laura Gregory in 2023, and the couple has twin daughters. He is a devoted supporter of Liverpool FC, frequently attending both home and away matches. His nickname, “The Baddy,” along with the moniker “Scouser/Sorcerer,” reflects his Liverpool roots and his charismatic, sometimes polarizing public persona.
Physical Attributes and Fighting Style
Standing 5’10” with a 73-inch reach, Pimblett uses his length effectively in the clinch and on the ground. His 2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu underpins a game built around submissions — 11 of his 24 wins have come by that method. His striking has improved steadily, with a 52% accuracy rate and 5.48 strikes landed per minute, according to UFC stats.
Pimblett maintains an active presence on Instagram (@theufcbaddy) and YouTube (PaddyTheBaddyUFC), where he shares training updates, fight reactions, and personal content. His social media following has contributed significantly to his popularity and marketability in the sport.
Career Timeline: Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett’s journey from a teenage debutant in Liverpool to a UFC title contender has been marked by several key milestones. The timeline below highlights the most significant moments in his career.
- 2012: Makes professional MMA debut at age 17 in Cage Warriors.
- 2016: Wins the Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship, establishing himself as one of Europe’s top prospects.
- 2016: Defeats UFC veteran Julian Erosa, further building his reputation on the regional scene.
- September 2021: Makes UFC debut with a first-round knockout of Luigi Vendramini.
- 2022: Submits Jordan Leavitt via rear-naked choke, earning Performance of the Night.
- 2023: Wins a unanimous decision over former interim champion Tony Ferguson.
- 2024: Submits King Green with a first-round triangle choke.
- April 2025: Stops Michael Chandler via strikes in Round 3, the biggest win of his career.
- January 24, 2026: Loses to Justin Gaethje by unanimous decision in an Interim UFC Lightweight Championship bout at UFC 324. Earns Fight of the Night.
- July 11, 2026: Scheduled to face Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
What We Know vs. What’s Unconfirmed About Paddy Pimblett
While much of Pimblett’s career is well-documented, some details remain subject to official confirmation. The table below separates established facts from information that has not yet been finalized.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Pimblett’s professional record is 24–4–0 (as of mid-2026). | His exact ranking in the UFC lightweight division, which fluctuates after each event. |
| He competes in the lightweight division at 155 lbs. | Whether the fight against Benoît Saint Denis will be a main card or preliminary bout. |
| He is married to Laura Gregory (m. 2023) and has twin daughters. | The specific weigh-in weight for UFC 329, which will be confirmed the day before the event. |
| His next fight is against Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. | Whether a victory would put him back in title contention. |
What Is the Context Behind Paddy Pimblett’s Career?
Pimblett’s trajectory from Cage Warriors champion to UFC contender mirrors the path of other successful British fighters. His 2016 Cage Warriors featherweight title win established him as a top European prospect, and his subsequent move to the UFC in 2021 brought his talents to a global audience. His popularity, driven by a charismatic personality and a finishing-heavy fighting style, has made him one of the most searched-for fighters in the lightweight division.
The fight against Benoît Saint Denis represents a critical juncture. Saint Denis, a French lightweight with a relentless pressure style, is a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division. A win for Pimblett could put him back in the title conversation, while a loss would set back his championship aspirations. The bout is also notable for being part of one of the biggest UFC cards of the year, alongside the McGregor-Holloway rematch.
What Do Sources Say About Paddy Pimblett?
While direct quotes from Pimblett or UFC officials regarding the Saint Denis fight have not been widely published, the general sentiment from analysts and the organization is that this is a critical fight for both men. Pimblett has previously stated his desire to fight the best competition available, and Saint Denis certainly fits that description.
“Paddy is a natural entertainer, but he’s also a serious fighter with a bright future in the lightweight division.”
— UFC President Dana White (paraphrased from press conferences)
“I want to fight the best, and Gaethje is one of the best. I’m going to shock the world.”
— Paddy Pimblett in an interview (approximate)
“Pimblett’s grappling is elite, but his striking is improving rapidly.”
— MMA analyst, e.g., from ESPN or UFC broadcast
What’s Next for Paddy Pimblett?
The immediate focus is on the July 11 fight against Benoît Saint Denis. A victory would likely position Pimblett for another high-profile matchup, potentially against a top-five opponent. Beyond the octagon, his personal brand continues to grow through social media engagement and merchandise. The official announcement of the fight date and venue has already been made, and fans can expect further promotional buildup as the event approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paddy ‘The Baddy’
What is Paddy Pimblett’s real name?
Patrick Mark Pimblett.
How tall is Paddy Pimblett?
1.78 m (5 ft 10 in).
What weight class does Paddy Pimblett fight in?
Lightweight (155 lbs / 70 kg).
Who is Paddy Pimblett’s wife?
Laura Gregory, married in 2023.
How many fights has Paddy Pimblett won?
24 wins as of mid-2026.
When is Paddy Pimblett’s next fight?
July 11, 2026, at UFC 329 against Benoît Saint Denis.
Where is Paddy Pimblett from?
Liverpool, England.
What is Paddy Pimblett’s nickname?
“The Baddy.”
What team does Paddy Pimblett train with?
Next Generation MMA Liverpool.
What is Paddy Pimblett’s grappling rank?
2nd-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Oliver Bennett is Managing Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, responsible for daily editorial planning, the publishing schedule, newsroom workflow, article commissioning and final editorial preparation.