Paddy Pimblett on McGregor injury: 'I can become the face of UFC now'

Paddy Pimblett declared himself the new face of the UFC moments after Conor McGregor's comeback attempt crumbled at UFC 329.

McGregor's return lasted just 69 seconds Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, ending when his leg gave out on a kick attempt against Max Holloway. Backstage doing media after his own submission win over Benoit Saint-Denis, Pimblett watched the finish unfold in real time, per MMA Mania.

"Oh my god, McGregor's done already?" Pimblett said. "He's finished; the new boy is in town. I can become the face of the organization now."

Pimblett mixes sympathy with ambition after McGregor setback

The Liverpool lightweight softened his stance during the post-fight presser. Pimblett told reporters he felt for McGregor after such a quick end to a five-year layoff. "It was sad to see," he said, according to the report. "With him not fighting for so long, his body couldn't keep up with it. Him coming out and throwing that crazy kick and his knee busting — I feel bad for him."

Pimblett is already among the promotion's most popular fighters, and his quick submission of Saint-Denis in the co-main event pushed him back into lightweight title talk. McGregor drew the biggest pre-fight buzz, but Pimblett walked away with the performance people will remember.

UFC 329 was supposed to mark McGregor's long-awaited return after half a decade away. Instead, it may have marked the night Pimblett stepped through the door McGregor left open.

Original reporting:

• mmamania.com — Paddy Pimblett Reacts To Conor McGregor Injury | MMA Mania