Conor McGregor has yet to make his much-anticipated return after excessive delays. The ‘Notorious’ has kept supporters waiting far too long. McGregor was scheduled to face Michael Chandler in June at UFC 303 but had to withdraw after breaking a toe during training. Chandler opted to face Charles Oliveira instead, leaving McGregor without an opponent for the time being.
Despite the developments, he is expected to return in 2025. In light of this, American podcaster Brendan Schaub suggested a new opponent. The ex-UFC heavyweight floated the idea of British star Paddy Pimblett taking on ‘Mystic Mac’ for his return to the UFC. Schaub revealed the ideal scenario in which McGregor vs. Pimblett can happen.
Let’s say he [McGregor] doesn’t fight till midsummer. Let’s say Paddy Pimblett gets one more big win, like one more marque win. Paddy Pimblett Conor… You wouldn’t watch that?
Brendan Schaub via Thiccc Boy YouTube channel
This fight would surely put Pimblett onto another level of stardom. This could also lead to a title fight, as Schaub mentions. He also gives ‘The Notorious’ a significant advantage in the striking, while Pimblett gets the ground game control. Not to mention, the entertainment in terms of the lead-up to the fight would be astronomical.
Pimblett achieved the most significant victory of his MMA career in July. He submitted Bobby Green in the first round at UFC 304 in Manchester. The Liverpudlian has become a huge rising star in the division and teased a fight with Renato Moicano. As such, McGregor vs. Pimblett will not happen next. Meanwhile, the Irishman once appeared interested in facing the British star.
When Conor McGregor was interested in fighting Paddy Pimblett
The former two-division champion hasn’t fought since breaking his leg during a trilogy bout with Dustin Poirier. The Irishman recently posted his negative drug test results online and made another appeal to the UFC as he aims for a return to the Octagon. The future of McGregor remains very uncertain.
Conor Mcgregor came close to a possible bout with Paddy Pimblett (via Imago)During his rehab and recovery session in 2022, McGregor showed some interest in fighting the British sensation ‘The Baddy.’ Pimblett, however, had a remarkable year in 2022. He won against the likes of Jordan Leavitt, Kazula Vargas, and Luigi Vendramini. Pimblett gained the attention of ‘The Notorious,’ who spoke backstage in an interview with Jamal Nightas at Bellator 275.
He is a good kid, Paddy gotta love the Scousers. One side of my family is from there [Liverpool]. Who knows, you know, I will never say no to nothing.
Conor McGregor via Jamal Nightas interivew at Bellator 275
McGregor is set to return to the Octagon in 2025, as confirmed by Dana White. But without an opponent, many names have shown interest, including Dan Hooker. On the other hand, Pimblett plans to climb the lightweight rankings. He has shown interest in a TUF season against Moicano and possibly even a fight against ‘The Hangman’ in the future.
