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Paddy Pimblett branded 'two-faced' after his reaction to Conor McGregor's loss

The Liverpool native went viral for his reaction to Conor McGregor's loss just moments after his stunning win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329

[Paddy Pimblett celebrates victory over Benoit Saint Denis]

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Paddy Pimblett celebrates victory over Benoit Saint Denis(Image: 2026 Jeff Bottari)

Paddy Pimblett has been branded 'two-faced' after his reaction to Conor McGregor's defeat went viral.

The 'Baddy' returned to the Octagon on Saturday night, looking to bounce back from his gruelling defeat to Justin Gaethje back in January. However, the Liverpool native faced a tough task in the shape of surging lightweight contender Benoit Saint Denis.

Pimblett would go on to stun the MMA world after submitting the Frenchman in under a minute after Saint Denis was made to pay for shooting in for a reckless takedown just seconds into the contest. The 31-year-old was quick to rush backstage to catch a glimpse of the main event.

And after watching it all unfold, the Liverpudlian offered a rather brutal assessment, stating: "Oh my god, McGregor's done already? He's finished, the new boy is in town. I can become the face of the organisation now."

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His comments did not appear to sit well with UFC heavyweight star Josh Hokit - who was quick to tear into the Liverpool brawler, saying: Fighters are the most two faced people in the world Nothing but respect and bow downs to one another when its convenient And you wonder why I do what I do."

Despite Pimblett's scathing comments, he did appear to have some sympathy for a crestfallen McGregor at the post-fight press conference. It was sad to see but thats the thing with this sport, youve got to stay consistent, youve got to keep fighting and I think where he hasnt fought in so long, his body couldnt keep up with it," he said. "Coming out and throwing a crazy kick like that first thing I feel bad for him hes put so much into coming back Got to feel for him.

The Scouser has now put himself back in the mix for a potential crack at the undisputed title and a rematch with Gaethje following his dominant performance. Pimblett revealed after the contest on Saturday night he would have retired if he had lost to Saint Denis. "This fight camp wasn't easy," he said.

"Getting to this point wasn't easy. About four or five weeks ago, I turned to my coach and was like, 'If I don't win this fight what's the point in fighting anymore? I might as well retire.' [I knew] that if I can't beat BSD, then what's the point in fighting? If I can't beat BSD, I'm never going to be a world champ, and that's what I do this for.

"I do this to be the best in the world. So, if I can't beat him... and then two days later, Justin Gaethje beats Ilia Topuria, and it was one of the biggest kicks up the a**** I've ever had in my life. It set a fire underneath me, and I just, the last couple of weeks of this training camp have been unbelievable and I'm ready to kill anyone. Put anyone in front of me and I'll kill them."

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