Paddy Pimblett’s Influencer Sparring Video Fuels Questions Before Likely UFC 329 Return

Overview

• Pimblett accepted a gym spar with TikTok creator Dean Alex in Liverpool, where Alex landed a few clean punches before Pimblett dropped him with a spinning elbow and a body kick that left the influencer vomiting.
• The footage drew split reactions online, with critics saying Pimblett looked easy to hit and supporters arguing he was holding back against a non‑pro.
• Bloody Elbow reported the session ended in a 3‑on‑2 scuffle involving gym fighters and Alex and a friend, a claim that other outlets have not corroborated.
• Pimblett is rebuilding after his first UFC defeat, a five‑round loss to Justin Gaethje in January in which he absorbed 144 significant strikes.
• He has started training early while nursing minor injuries, with multiple reports pointing to Benoît Saint‑Denis at UFC 329 in Las Vegas, a matchup the UFC has not announced.