Paddy Pimblett’s UFC comeback reportedly targeted for possible Conor McGregor event

One week after the Scouser’s loss to Gaethje, Saint-Denis secured a second-round TKO of Dan Hooker, another lightweight with whom Pimblett has traded barbs.

Pimblett vs Saint-Denis, a potential meeting of No 6 vs No 5 at 155lb, would likely play out as an all-action affair, given both men’s penchants for brawls.

Saint-Denis, a former member of the French special air service, has a 17-3 professional record and has earned all of his wins via stoppage – six via KO/TKO; 11 via submission.

Coincidentally, Pimblett also has six KO/TKO wins and 11 submissions, while his overall record stands at 23-4.

It is unclear whether Pimblett vs Saint-Denis, 28, would serve as the co-main event of UFC 329, although it would seem likely, especially if McGregor returns in the main event.

Benoit Saint-Denis stopped Dan Hooker last time out, in January (Getty)

The former dual-weight champion last fought in 2021, suffering a broken leg in his second consecutive loss to Dustin Poirier. McGregor was targeting a spot on the unprecedented White House card on 14 June, but UFC president Dana White was always coy on that prospect, before talk turned to a possible UFC 329 slot.

It is unclear whom McGregor, 37, would face at UFC 329, but The Independent understands it would be an active fighter with a strong profile.