UFC star Paddy Pimblett has said he would be open to stepping up in weight to face Conor McGregor after the Dubliner’s return at UFC 329.

Pimblett is aiming to jump to the welterweight division to land a dream showdown with Conor McGregor, having conceded that his path to the lightweight crown looks uncertain.

The Scouser takes on Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329, serving as the co-main event before Conor McGregor steps back into the Octagon against Max Holloway in his comeback fight.

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Paddy Pimblett (R). Pic: Megan Briggs/Getty Images

‘I want to win this lightweight belt, defend it, and then I’m going to eventually move up to welterweight,’ Pimblett said.

‘I’d love to get the rematch with Justin [Gaethje]. Arman [Tsarukyan] is probably in front of me. I know he wants a rematch with Charles [Oliveira], so he is probably in front of me. I would like to fight again before the end of the year.’

McGregor has signed a two-fight deal, the first of which is against Max Holloway, and Pimblett, who has dangled the prospect of a McGregor clash for years, now seems keen on securing the second bout, adding: ‘If Conor McGregor needs a welterweight opponent before the end of the year, I’m game.’

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Paddy Pimblett of England. Pic: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Taking on McGregor would mean Pimblett stepping up a division, but the English fighter regularly has a well-documented appetite that sees him pack on the pounds between training camps, meaning competing at 170 pounds shouldn’t pose any difficulties.

‘I normally get to 190-195, but as I say, I get back to the octagon at 185,’ Pimblett explained. ‘When I cut to 155, I’ll do about 12 pounds overnight, and then within an hour or two hours of the weigh-in, I’m back up to 170 off just drinking. Then I’m back to 185 the next day.’