UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett shared his views on the 155-pound division during a press conference on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, ahead of his co-main event bout at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
Pimblett addressed the public reaction following his unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje, contrasting it with the praise Gaethje received after becoming undisputed champion by defeating Ilia Topuria.
>>> Twins Top Guardians 3-1 as Taj Bradley Strikes Out 10
“I got wrote off after that,” Pimblett said.
The British fighter expressed frustration with shifting fan perceptions regarding his performance against the current champion.
“Everybody said I got beat by him, an old man.
Then, he goes and does that to Ilia Topuria, and all of a sudden he's the best thing since sliced bread.
This just shows how the goalposts get moved constantly,” Pimblett said.
Pimblett noted that the changing narratives highlight a lack of consistency in how performances are judged.
“I said that after I fought him.
I got more respect losing a fight than I did winning seven in a row in the UFC.
It just shows how mad our fanbase is, doesn't it?” he said.
Reflecting on the divisional standings, Pimblett maintained that Gaethje's championship victory validated his own competitive standing.
“With him winning and becoming undisputed champion, it looks good for me. I said that after he beat me.
I said he was going to beat Ilia Topuria. I said it was fate that he beat me.
It was his destiny. He was going to win the world title at the White House.
