Paddy Pimblett is preparing for a potential return to the octagon in 2026 following his first UFC defeat to Justin Gaethje. The Liverpudlian fighter aims to rebuild his position in the division, with Mateusz Gamrot expressing interest in facing him as a comeback opponent.
Mateusz Gamrot Interested in Fighting Pimblett Next
After a tough loss against Gaethje, which was an interim title clash, Pimblett dropped twice and ultimately suffered his first UFC defeat. This outcome wiped away his immediate hopes of challenging bitter rival Ilia Topuria for a title. As a result, Pimblett slipped to sixth in the UFC rankings but remains a notable figure in the division if he decides to return quickly.
Ranked seventh, Gamrot sees an opportunity to face Pimblett as a significant career step. He said,
“I think it would be a great situation if I could face him and get the chance to fight Paddy. Because firstly, it would be a great fight for me, but not necessarily for him. I think then I could verify all those gaps in his game. I think now they’ve brought him back down to earth, and he’ll be more accessible for other fighters, meaning for us to fight him, and also show where his place really is.”
— Mateusz Gamrot, UFC contender
Gamrot, who hasn’t competed since his October 2025 loss to Charles Oliveira, would view a victory over Pimblett, one of the sport’s popular figures, as a major boost to his career trajectory.
Pimblett’s Future Timeline and Recovery Status
The fight with Gaethje left Pimblett with multiple facial injuries, requiring time to heal. Despite many expecting the 31-year-old to pause for an extended recovery period, he has already returned to training. Pimblett addressed his condition, stating,
“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. I’ll be back in the gym, I’ll be back training. People think I’m going to have to take the rest of the year off — I’m not.”
— Paddy Pimblett, UFC fighter
Furthermore, Pimblett expressed his intention to fight again during the summer season.
“I’ll be fighting in the summer.”
— Paddy Pimblett, UFC fighter
Implications of Pimblett’s Return and Next Steps
Pimblett’s comeback fight will be crucial for his bid to regain momentum toward a UFC title opportunity. Having fallen from immediate title contention after his defeat, competing against a recognized top-10 opponent like Gamrot could provide a vital platform to demonstrate improvements and secure meaningful wins. For Gamrot, the fight represents a chance to prove himself against a high-profile adversary and potentially move up in the rankings.
Both fighters appear motivated to enter the cage sooner rather than later, promising an engaging matchup for UFC fans and the broader MMA community. Pimblett’s readiness to train after his injuries signals a determined return, while Gamrot’s desire to test Pimblett’s abilities underlines the competitive nature of the lightweight division.
