Justin Gaethje shuts down Paddy Pimblett rematch talk

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje has made clear he has no interest in a rematch with Paddy Pimblett, despite the British fighter's vocal campaign for a second meeting.

Pimblett emerged as one of the standout performers at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, where he submitted Benoit St. Denis in 52 seconds to rebound from his first UFC loss. The loss came earlier this year when Gaethje defeated him via unanimous decision at UFC 324 in January. Following his impressive victory over St. Denis, Pimblett called out several top lightweights for his next bout, including Gaethje.

When asked about a potential rematch during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show," Gaethje flatly rejected the notion. "Destined for each other, like, to fight again? No. No, no, no," the champion said. Gaethje previously dangled the prospect of a clash with Conor McGregor should the Irishman defeat Max Holloway, but McGregor's loss to Holloway has narrowed his options at lightweight.

Gaethje's losses to both Holloway and Charles Oliveira—fellow 155-pounders vying for championship contention—complicate the title picture further. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan stands as the highest-ranked lightweight contender on a winning streak. Pimblett is not alone in seeking another shot against Gaethje; former two-division champion Ilia Topuria also called for a rematch after losing to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, suggesting several lightweights view a second fight with the champion as their path to gold.