Justin Gaethje shuts down notion that he’s ‘destined’ for rematch with Paddy Pimblett

Justin Gaethje isn’t interested in the idea of a second showdown with Paddy Pimblett.

Gaethje won the interim UFC lightweight gold when he defeated “The Baddy” via unanimous decision to cap off UFC’s debut on Paramount+. “The Highlight” went on to capture interim gold when he stopped Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Just one month later, Pimblett got back on the winning track by choking out Benoit Saint Denis is under one minute.

During an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show,” Gaethje made it clear that a rematch with the Liverpool native isn’t something he sees in his future (via MMAMania.com).

“Destined for each other to fight again? No,” Gaethje said. “No. No. No.”

Still, Gaethje is happy to see that Pimblett has been using the loss to him as fuel. The reigning lightweight champion said a similar thing happened to his former foe Rafael Fiziev.

“I think it’s crazy what my story has done for so many people,” Gaethje said. “Rafael Fiziev, a guy I fought two times, says a very similar thing. I kind of rejuvenated him when I won that fight. Him losing two times to me, having been in there with me two times kind of rejuvenated him. … It’s pretty cool across the board. All athletes respect our sport because it’s so humbling, so primal. It’s one-on-one. It’s freaking awesome.”

Many are left wondering what’s next for Gaethje. While retirement sounded like an appealing option, the surefire future Hall of Famer told Joe Rogan that he doesn’t plan on walking away just yet. Gaethje has said that he’s interested in rematches with Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway. Arman Tsarukyan continues to wait in the wings despite being the general consensus No. 1 contender.

Do you consider a rematch between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett to be off the table entirely, or do you think there is a chance they collide one more time? Sound off in the comments below.