Paddy Pimblett and Jon Jones reunite after 16 years
Paddy Pimblett and Jon Jones finally crossed paths backstage at UFC 329, where the pair reminisced about an encounter long before 'The Baddy's' UFC days.
Paddy Pimblett is one of the biggest stars in the UFC today, yet he and Jon Jones have never shared a card together. In fact, one of the last times he and 'Bones' crossed paths was over a decade ago, back in either 2010 or 2011. So, it comes as no surprise that Pimblett was more than elated when he and Jones reunited backstage at UFC 329.
Paddy Pimblett reminisces about his first Jon Jones encounter
At UFC 329, Paddy Pimblett scored a stunning first-round submission over Benoît Saint Denis in one of the most impressive lightweight finishes of 2026. However, backstage, 'The Baddy' enjoyed another highlight when he crossed paths with all-time MMA great and ex-double champion Jon Jones. As the two men greeted each other, Pimblett talked about their first encounter, which took place when he wasn't even a professional MMA fighter yet (11:35):
"I got a picture with you in 2010 or 11, lad. I was lucky to find it and send it. I'm like that [*mimics his old height*], you know what I mean? It was in Birmmingham at the fan expo in the UK. I see you on there, it was the same weekend I got a picture with Bruce Buffer."
Paddy Pimblett and Jon Jones meet after taking a photo together 16 years ago 😲 pic.twitter.com/XdB5PEZS4I
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) July 29, 2026
In a way, Pimblett is mirroring Conor McGregor, who also took a selfie with a legendary light heavyweight well before his own days as an MMA star. McGregor famously snapped a picture with Chuck Liddell back in 2008, then went on to become the biggest star in MMA history. Furthermore, McGregor and Pimblett recently fought on the same card at UFC 329. Unfortunately for McGregor, things didn't go as well for him as they went for Pimblett, who took no damage and finished his fight early. Though McGregor also finished his fight early, it was a loss, as he tore his meniscus and ACL in round one of his welterweight bout with Max Holloway.
As for Jones, he announced his retirement in 2025, months after defending his heavyweight title at UFC 309 with a third-round TKO of Stipe Miocic. However, he has since expressed an interest in returning for specific matchups.
