Justin Gaethje shuts down Paddy Pimblett rematch talk

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has no interest in a rematch with Paddy Pimblett, even after the Englishman's submission win this past weekend.

Gaethje stopped Pimblett over five rounds in an interim title fight in January, battering him on the feet before taking a unanimous decision. Pimblett bounced back at UFC 329 with a quick finish of Benoit Saint Denis, per MMA Fighting, but Gaethje remains unmoved on the prospect of fighting him again so soon.

"Destined for each other to fight again? No," Gaethje told Pat McAfee on Wednesday.

Gaethje credits win over Topuria for inspiring fighters

Gaethje did acknowledge the respect Pimblett showed during fight week, noting that the Liverpool native drew motivation from his upset of Ilia Topuria at the UFC White House card in June. Pimblett admitted he struggled after the January loss but found renewed purpose watching Gaethje dethrone Topuria.

"I think it's crazy what my story has done for so many people," Gaethje said, adding that fighters like Rafael Fiziev and boxer Anthony Joshua have cited his Topuria win as a reminder of how dangerous the sport remains.

Gaethje has confirmed he plans to fight again but does not expect to return until 2027.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — UFC champion Justin Gaethje not interested in Paddy Pimblett rematch