By:
Paul Kelly
Ariel Helwani has revealed there is a possibility that Conor McGregor vs Paddy Pimblett could get made next.
The combat sports journalist made a case for why McGregor vs Pimblett makes sense.
Ariel Helwani Outlines Conor McGregor vs Paddy Pimblett Possibility
Ariel Helwani has outlined the possibility of the UFC booking Conor McGregor vs Paddy Pimblett next.
Although there are rumours that McGregor vs Justin Gaethje may well be heading for UFC White House for the UFC Lightweight Title, a showdown between the Irishman and ‘The Baddy’ is a fight that seemingly makes total sense.
After losing to Gaethje in the UFC 324 main event in Las Vegas, Pimblett will likely return to action again in the summer. This is a timeframe that also suits McGregor, who is continuing to train back home in Ireland amid speculation that he could make his highly-anticipated return this year.
https://twitter.com/MMAFullMount/status/2015914738685714862
The Irishman is fully confident that he will headline UFC White House on June 14, but if not, could still return later this year. McGregor’s highly-anticipated return remains up in the air, at least for the next while until official announcements are made for UFC White House.
Add to that the fact that McGregor is set to undergo new UFC contract negotiations in February too. Depending what happens in those negotiations could have a huge bearing on McGregor’s future.
If indeed his UFC White House comeback is a goer, then it is unlikely he faces Pimblett. A showdown with Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal or Michael Chandler makes far more sense.
That being said, McGregor vs Pimblett is one of the biggest fights in MMA today. Period.
https://twitter.com/RedCorner_MMA/status/2013774318195614104
Could McGregor vs Pimblett Happen At UFC White House?
Although mere speculation from MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, a fight between Conor McGregor and Paddy Pimblett does actually make sense.
Pimblett is coming off the back of his first defeat in the UFC at the hands of Justin Gaetje for the interim UFC Lightweight Title, meanwhile McGregor hasn’t fought since July 2021.
The Liverpudlian is one of the biggest names in the UFC right now and one of the most followed athletes on the roster. His stock rose even in defeat to Gaethje after UFC 324, which is proof that he is a real star.
It doesn’t matter how long McGregor is absent from the octagon either. He is the single biggest star in MMA and will remain just that until he officially hangs up his gloves for good.
Paddy Pimblett was asked about a potential fight with Conor McGregor after rumors surfaced that he wouldn’t be fighting Michael Chandler
“It doesn’t really make sense but you’d be an idiot to say no to Conor McGregor, that’s the biggest money fight you can get” pic.twitter.com/1MyttSwjz4
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) January 22, 2026
Having the biggest star fight one of the most popular fighters in the UFC at the White House this summer would certainly be quite something. In terms of numbers, McGregor vs Pimblett at UFC White House would undoubtedly break all viewing records.
The fact that McGregor could return for the first time in five years and fight one of the biggest active names in the sport would be incredible. However, the weight could be an issue.
Pimblett campaigns at 155-pounds, which is of course where McGregor won the second of his two UFC belts. However, McGregor hasn’t made that weight for the best part of five years and has put on a serious amount of mass since then.
If the fight is up at welterweight, it could happen at UFC White House. However, McGregor vs Pimblett seems a stretch, never mind having it as the main event of a ground-breaking UFC event in less than five months time.
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