Paddy Pimblett Compares Benoit St. Denis' Skillset to Justin Gaethje's

Paddy Pimblett has compared Benoit St. Denis' skillset to that of former interim champion Justin Gaethje, setting the stage for their upcoming UFC lightweight showdown. The Liverpool star broke down the Frenchman's aggressive style, drawing a direct line to Gaethje's relentless pressure and knockout power.

Pimblett told reporters that St. Denis fights a lot like Gaethje: always moving forward, throwing heavy shots, and looking for the finish. He noted the Frenchman's 5-1 UFC run and his four first-round stoppages as proof of that danger.

"He's a bit like Justin Gaethje, isn't he?" Pimblett said. "He comes forward, he's wild, he's powerful. He's got that same sort of energy."

The comparison is a serious one. Gaethje is a former interim champion known for his brutal leg kicks and brawling style. St. Denis has built a similar reputation since moving to lightweight.

This is a massive step up for Pimblett. St. Denis is ranked No. 15 in the UFC lightweight division, while Pimblett sits just outside the rankings. A win here would likely put the 30-year-old Englishman into the top 15 for the first time.

Pimblett is 5-0 in the UFC but has faced criticism for the level of his opposition. St. Denis represents his toughest test to date. The Frenchman has finished four of his five UFC wins inside the first round.

Both men share a similar approach. They pressure opponents relentlessly, throw with bad intentions, and have serious finishing instincts. St. Denis averages 6.32 significant strikes per minute, a rate that mirrors Gaethje's volume.

But there are differences. Gaethje has better wrestling defense and more experience in five-round fights. St. Denis is younger at 28 and still developing his game. Pimblett will need to exploit any gaps in that development.

The fight has not been officially announced with a date or venue yet. But sources expect it to land on a Fight Night card in early 2025, likely in London or on a U.S. main card.

A win would change everything for Pimblett. He'd break into the rankings, silence doubters, and earn a shot at a bigger name. A loss would stall his momentum badly.

Pimblett knows the stakes. "This is the fight that gets me into the rankings," he said. "I've been asking for a ranked opponent. Now I've got one."

St. Denis has other plans. The Frenchman wants to use Pimblett as a stepping stone to the top 10. Something has to give when they finally step into the Octagon.