UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has little interest in running things back with Paddy Pimblett despite growing calls for a rematch following UFC 329.
Gaethje and Pimblett first met in January in a thrilling interim lightweight title fight that delivered one of the year’s most memorable battles. Despite entering the bout as the underdog, Gaethje outstruck Pimblett over five rounds and secured a unanimous decision victory.
Since then, both fighters have remained in the title conversation. Gaethje shocked the MMA world when he handed Ilia Topuria his first professional loss to capture the undisputed lightweight title at the UFC White House event. Meanwhile, Pimblett bounced back in spectacular fashion at UFC 329, submitting Benoit Saint Denis in under a minute.
The dominant win reignited speculation about a potential rematch between the two lightweights. However, Justin Gaethje quickly dismissed the idea.
“Destined for each other to fight again? No,” Gaethje said during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.
The response surprised many fans, especially considering the competitive nature of their first meeting. But Gaethje appears focused on exploring new challenges rather than revisiting recent opponents.
His comments also align with a recent statement from his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who suggested that Gaethje’s next title defense would come against a fresh opponent rather than a familiar rival.
“The champ’s next fight will be against someone he’s never fought before. I’m really excited for this matchup,” Abdelaziz wrote on X after UFC 329.
If that plan holds, several high-profile rematches could be off the table. A second fight with Pimblett appears unlikely, while potential rematches against Topuria, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira would also be ruled out.
That leaves a limited pool of contenders for Justin Gaethje.
One name that stands out is Arman Tsarukyan, who remains one of the highest-ranked lightweights Gaethje has yet to face. Another possibility is Saint Denis, although the French contender’s recent loss to Pimblett may push him further down the pecking order.
While Gaethje has no immediate interest in another showdown with Pimblett, he has praised the British star for the respect he showed during fight week and after their first encounter.
Pimblett previously admitted that losing to Gaethje was difficult to accept, but watching Gaethje upset Topuria changed his perspective on the defeat. The Liverpool native earned praise for lasting all five rounds against the hard-hitting American in what many considered a Fight of the Year contender.
Gaethje said he appreciates hearing how his journey has inspired fellow fighters and athletes across different sports.
“I think it’s crazy what my story has done for so many people,” Gaethje said. “Rafael Fiziev, a guy I fought two times, says a very similar thing. I kind of rejuvenated him when I won that fight. Him losing two times to me and having been in there with me twice kind of rejuvenated him.
“Anthony Joshua, I saw him talking about how you can never forget how real fighting is, how dangerous it is, and never become too full of yourself. He learned that from that lesson.
“It’s pretty cool across the board. All athletes respect our sport because it’s so humbling and so primal. It’s one-on-one. It’s freaking awesome.”
For now, Justin Gaethje remains focused on his future rather than revisiting old rivalries. Although fans continue to campaign for a second fight with Pimblett, the UFC lightweight champion appears determined to take a different path as he prepares for the next chapter of his title reign.
Gaethje has previously hinted that he plans to compete again after briefly considering retirement, but he is not expected to return to action until sometime in 2027.
