Ariel Helwani Drops Paddy Pimblett Bombshell Just Days Before UFC 324
Ariel Helwani has dropped a stunning claim about Paddy Pimblett just days before his UFC 324 title fight against Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett returns to action on Saturday for the first time since his third-round victory over Michael Chandler.
His victory over Chandler last year earned him a shot at UFC gold as he faces Gaethje for the interim UFC lightweight title at UFC 324.
It's Pimblett's first crack at a UFC title since joining the promotion in 2021.
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He's won seven fights in a row inside the famed Octagon, beating the likes of King Green, Tony Ferguson and the aforementioned Chandler.
A victory over Gaethje would set up a monstrous clash against undisputed champion Ilia Topuria, who made the decision to step away from the sport due to personal issues - hence why an interim title has been created.
But Helwani has teased Conor McGregor as a potential opponent for Pimblett, who is 'in play' for the White House card.
According to the veteran combat sports journalist, if 'The Baddy' beats Gaethje, then he is 'in play' for the June card, which will celebrate America's 250th founding and Donald Trump's 80th birthday.
Speaking on his show, Helwani said: "My theory is Gaethje will be in play if he wins, Paddy will be in play if he wins, Max [Holloway] will be in play if he wins and Charles [Oliveira] will be in play."
Asked if Michael Chandler is in play, he replied: "I think he is still in play. Yes. He (Dana White) keeps saying we're going to wait until after this weekend. Well, why are you waiting until after this weekend?"
He added: "Paddy vs. Conor would be a gigantic fight. Justin vs. Conor would be a gigantic fight. And yes, I know what you're thinking. Wait, aren't they the interim champion? Who cares? Who cares."
McGregor hasn't fought since his crushing defeat to Dustin Poirier in July 2021.
He was due to return to competition when he was matched against Chandler at UFC 303 in the summer of 2024.
But McGregor was forced to withdraw after suffering a toe injury.
He's eyeing a spot on the White House card, with Helwani claiming Pimblett could be a potential opponent if he wins at UFC 324.
What has Paddy Pimblett said about fighting Conor McGregor?
Pimblett has often been linked with a fight against McGregor given his meteoric rise to UFC superstardom.
He was asked whether he'd accept a blockbuster showdown against the Irishman even though he isn't ranked in the UFC.
Speaking at the UFC 324 media day, Pimblett said: "It doesn't not make sense, but you would be an idiot to say no to fighting Conor McGregor, wouldnāt you? Letās be honest. Everyone knows that; thatās the biggest money fight you can get in the sport."
Topics:Ā Ariel Helwani, Paddy Pimblett, UFC, Conor McGregor
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