Paddy Pimblett Set for UFC 329 Return After Viral Sparring Session
Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett is making headlines once again, though not for a sanctioned bout. While awaiting the official announcement of his next professional fight, the UFC star has been keeping fans entertained with a series of high-energy gym sessions, including a viral encounter with a social media influencer that serves as a stark reminder of the gap between content creation and professional mixed martial arts.
- Paddy Pimblett recently sparred with influencer Dean Alex to celebrate the latter’s 1 million Instagram followers.
- The session ended with Alex vomiting after taking a spinning elbow and flying kick to the stomach.
- Pimblett is expected to return at UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
- His projected opponent is top lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis.
Viral Sparring: Paddy Pimblett vs. Dean Alex
Dean Alex, a social media sensation known for accepting extreme viewer challenges, recently celebrated reaching 1 million followers on Instagram by agreeing to spar with Pimblett. While Alex possesses some boxing experience—which allowed him to land a few shots on the UFC fighter—the disparity in conditioning and skill quickly became evident.
As the session progressed, Alex struggled significantly with the pace. He repeatedly told Pimblett, “I’m going to be sick,” as he gassed out over multiple rounds. The intensity peaked when Pimblett landed a spinning elbow followed by a flying kick to the stomach, causing the TikTok star to vomit.
Despite the physical toll, Alex continued to spar with Pimblett and his teammates. The session concluded in a chaotic 3 vs 2 brawl involving fighters from Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, England, further cementing the “wild” nature of the training event.
Bouncing Back from the Gaethje War
This lighthearted gym activity comes as Pimblett prepares to move past his first UFC loss. At UFC 324 in January, Pimblett faced Justin Gaethje in a grueling five-round battle for the interim lightweight title.
Although Pimblett fell via unanimous decision, the fight earned him significant respect across the MMA community for the “tons of heart” he displayed during the war with “The Highlight.” That performance proved Pimblett could compete at the elite level of the lightweight division, setting the stage for his upcoming return.
UFC 329: The Clash with Benoit Saint-Denis
Pimblett is now eyeing a return to the Octagon on July 11 in Las Vegas at UFC 329. The event is expected to be a massive draw, likely headlined by the highly anticipated rematch between Conor McGregor and Max Holloway.
On the undercard, Pimblett is slated to face top lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis. While UFC CEO Dana White has yet to officially confirm the matchup, both fighters have dropped strong hints that the bout is locked in for International Fight Week.
For Pimblett, a victory over Saint-Denis would be a critical step in reclaiming his momentum and climbing back up the lightweight rankings after his narrow defeat in January.