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Pimblett Fined After UFC 329, Eyes Gaethje Rematch

2026-09-03 · Paddy Pimblett · Player Focus

Paddy Pimblett's first-round submission win at UFC 329 has been overshadowed by a disciplinary hearing and a withheld fight purse. The Nevada State Athletic Commission fined the British star for scaling the Octagon after his victory over Benoît Saint Denis in July.

Why was Pimblett fined after UFC 329?

Pimblett's post-fight celebration breached UFC rules, leading to a withheld purse and a formal hearing. The commission cited safety concerns, a stance hardened by the infamous post-fight brawl instigated by Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229. Legendary referee John McCarthy confirmed that Nurmagomedov's actions set a new standard, making cage exits a serious offense. While Pimblett and fellow fined fighter Max Holloway may not have caused a riot, their actions triggered the stricter penalties now in place.

Is a title rematch with Justin Gaethje next?

UFC veteran Dan Hooker believes Pimblett is being lined up for the next shot at lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. Pimblett lost a unanimous decision to Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324 in January. Gaethje later unified the belts by upsetting Ilia Topuria. Hooker told Submission Radio that the UFC will likely slide Pimblett into a title fight, citing his massive popularity.

Who does Pimblett want to fight next?

The 31-year-old Liverpudlian has set his sights on divisional rivals Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan. Pimblett holds a 24-4 professional record after the Saint Denis win. In a recent interview, he stated he would "absolutely terrorize" both men, citing long-standing personal beef. "I think he's a little helmet. I'd love to fight him and give him shit," Pimblett said of Topuria. He showed far more respect for other top lightweights like Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.

How did Pimblett react to an AI breakdown of his weaknesses?

In a lighter moment, Pimblett engaged with an AI-generated analysis of how to beat him in a new Bleacher Report video. He was presented with five potential methods to secure a victory against him. Pimblett agreed with some of the AI's tactical suggestions and disagreed with others, offering his own counterpoints. The segment provided an unusual look at how fighters process strategic scouting reports, even from artificial intelligence.

  • Pimblett's UFC 329 win resulted in a first-round submission but also a fine for a cage-climbing celebration.
  • Dan Hooker predicts the popular Brit will get the next lightweight title shot against Justin Gaethje.
  • Pimblett targets Ilia Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan, promising to "rinse their lives" in future fights.
  • A post-UFC 229 rule change, sparked by Khabib Nurmagomedov, is why celebrations now carry stiffer penalties.

More Paddy Pimblett news →