Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Paddy Pimblett Conor McGregor tension has become a major UFC 329 talking point as the Liverpool fighter prepares to face Benoit Saint Denis on the same Las Vegas card as McGregor’s return against Max Holloway.
Pimblett has respected McGregor’s status in recent years, but their past comments and online drama mean any fight week meeting could carry plenty of edge.
The storyline lands as McGregor’s wider UFC comeback remains under heavy scrutiny, with Conor McGregor’s bus attack still shadowing his Holloway rematch.
Pimblett Ready For Big Stage
Pimblett told Fox Sports Australia he had not yet crossed paths with McGregor in Las Vegas.
“I haven’t seen him yet, to be honest,” Pimblett said on Wednesday.
“I think he only arrived today. I haven’t had a chance to bump into him yet. I may do tomorrow when I have to do some media stuff, but I definitely will on Thursday when I do the press conference.
“I think this is going to be the biggest card of all time. With McGregor’s comeback, the fact that it’s now not a pay per view in America, there’ll be so many people watching it, so many eyes on this card – and I’m coming to steal a show.”
Pimblett has previously distanced himself from McGregor comparisons, while also firing verbal shots at the Irish superstar.
McGregor Fight Still Appeals
A McGregor win over Holloway could open a major door for Pimblett.
“Who wouldn’t want to fight Conor Gregor?” he said.
“Who in their right mind would say no to the biggest payday you’re gonna get? And if he’s fighting at welterweight that would suit me to a T.”
For now, Pimblett’s immediate task is Saint Denis, a former French special forces operator known for pressure and finishing intent.
“I just said ‘Yeah, let’s do this’,” Pimblett said of accepting the bout.
Pimblett said talk around a possible staph issue for Saint Denis would not change his preparation.
“It doesn’t make a difference to me,” he said.
“I’ve had teammates fight with staph and go and knock people out. It doesn’t make a difference.”
Official event information is available through the UFC.
Pimblett Eyes Finish
Pimblett is coming off a heavy loss to Justin Gaethje, who later beat Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250.
“It’s very true, lad,” Pimblett said when asked about Scousers being hard to knock out.
“Well, this Scouser can’t anyway.”
“I either see a fast finish and a Performance of the Night, or I see a Fight of the Night where it’s a bit of a brawl for two rounds before I get the finish.”