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Paddy Pimblett would only ever refuse one UFC fight if he were champion as he would ‘vacate’ instead

Paddy Pimblett has revealed exactly why he would not defend the lightweight title against one potential UFC opponent if he were the promotion’s champion. The…

Bloodyelbow

Published: Saturday, 3 October 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Paddy Pimblett stated he would vacate the UFC lightweight title rather than defend it against teammate George Staines.
Pimblett explained fighters at Next Generation MMA Liverpool are family and would never fight one another.
George Staines earned a UFC contract with a first-round knockout over Loai Abushaar on Dana White's Contender Series.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Paddy Pimblett has revealed he would vacate the UFC lightweight title rather than fight his Next Generation MMA teammate George Staines. Speaking to Kolos MMA, Pimblett stated that fighters from their gym consider each other family and would never fight one another, confirming he would move up a weight class if Staines ever became the mandatory challenger.

Staines recently earned a UFC contract following a first-round knockout victory against Loai Abushaar on Dana White's Contender Series. Pimblett, who attended the UFC Apex to support Staines, previously contested an interim lightweight title bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 329, suffering a unanimous decision defeat.

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Paddy Pimblett would only ever refuse one UFC fight if he were champion as he would ‘vacate’ instead

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