Dana White on UFC London, Europe Plans, Pimblett & McGregor | UFC
LONDON, England – Paddy Pimblett has a target date for his return to the Octagon. The lightweight contender has agreed with UFC CEO Dana White to compete at International Fight Week on , according to reports from UFC London on .
Pimblett, who suffered a unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje in his last fight, expressed his desire to fight during the promotion’s annual International Fight Week event. White confirmed the agreement during the post-fight press conference at UFC London, stating, “Alright, there you go,” when asked about Pimblett’s preference. White further added, “Whenever he wants to fight, we’d love to have him back.”
The news comes as Pimblett was in attendance at the O2 Arena supporting teammates who competed on Saturday’s UFC London card. While there, he engaged with White, leading to the confirmation of his comeback timeline. The Liverpudlian fighter is eager to rebound from his recent defeat and re-establish himself in the lightweight division.
The July 11 card in Las Vegas will be a key event on the UFC calendar, and Pimblett’s presence is expected to draw significant attention. No opponent has been announced for Pimblett at this time, but the UFC will likely seek a compelling matchup to capitalize on his popularity and return to action.
UFC London itself saw mixed results for Pimblett’s team. While Luke Riley secured a victory in the co-main event, Shem Rock lost his bout earlier in the evening. Following Rock’s defeat, an altercation occurred involving Pimblett and Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady after their fight, when Al-Selwady refused a handshake.
The confirmation of Pimblett’s return date provides clarity after a period of uncertainty following his loss to Gaethje. His previous winning streak had propelled him into contention, and fans will be keen to see how he performs upon his return to the Octagon. The lightweight division is currently stacked with talent, and Pimblett will face a challenging road back to title contention.
White’s willingness to accommodate Pimblett’s request underscores the UFC’s continued investment in the British fighter. Pimblett’s charismatic personality and exciting fighting style have made him a fan favorite, and the promotion recognizes his value in attracting viewership and generating buzz.
The UFC’s presence in Europe continues to grow, and events like UFC London are crucial to expanding the sport’s reach internationally. White has previously spoken about the importance of European markets and the desire to host more events across the continent. The success of UFC London, coupled with Pimblett’s return, further solidifies the UFC’s commitment to its European fanbase.
While details surrounding Pimblett’s preparation for his July fight remain scarce, he is focused on making a statement upon his return. The lightweight division is known for its depth and competitiveness, and Pimblett will need to be at his best to overcome his next challenge. The coming months will be crucial as he prepares to step back into the Octagon and continue his pursuit of UFC glory.
The confirmation of Pimblett’s return also adds another layer of intrigue to the International Fight Week schedule. With a number of high-profile fights already planned, the addition of Pimblett is sure to generate even more excitement among MMA fans. The July 11 event in Las Vegas is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated cards of the year.