Justin Gaethje sparked a fresh debate on 7 July 2026 when Paddy Pimblett compared Benoit St. Denis’s fighting style to the former lightweight champion’s trademark aggression.

What did Pimblett say?

Pimblett, the charismatic English featherweight, told a packed press conference that St. Denis “moves and hits like Gaethje on his best nights.” He pointed to the Canadian’s ability to blend high‑volume striking with a willingness to engage in toe‑to‑toe exchanges. The comment came during a promotional interview for St. Denis’s upcoming bout at UFC 293.

Why the comparison matters for Gaethje’s legacy

Gaethje’s reputation rests on his relentless pressure and knockout power, traits that have defined his fights against top‑tier opponents. By using his name as a benchmark, Pimblett reinforces Gaethje’s status as a yardstick for emerging talent. Fans and analysts now have a fresh lens through which to evaluate St. Denis’s performance, especially as the Canadian climbs the lightweight rankings.

How St. Denis matches Gaethje’s style

St. Denis has shown a willingness to absorb punishment while delivering rapid combinations, mirroring Gaethje’s classic “press‑and‑punch” approach. In his last three fights, the Canadian landed an average of 3.2 significant strikes per minute and maintained a 45‑percent takedown defense, numbers that sit close to Gaethje’s career averages. Those stats give weight to Pimblett’s claim and suggest St. Denis could become a future headline‑maker.

What’s next for the fighters?

Gaethje, now a free agent after his contract expired in early 2026, is rumored to be negotiating a return fight against a top‑10 opponent later this year. Meanwhile, St. Denis will step into the Octagon on 22 September 2026 at UFC 293, where his performance will be measured against the Gaethje standard set by Pimblett’s remarks. The UFC’s matchmaking committee will likely use the comparison to build hype, positioning St. Denis as a potential next‑generation bruiser.

How fans are reacting

Social media lit up with mixed reactions. Some fans praised the nod to Gaethje’s legacy, while others argued that St. Denis still lacks the finishing rate that defined Gaethje’s career—15 knockouts in 22 wins. Regardless, the conversation keeps Gaethje’s name in the spotlight, proving his influence stretches beyond his own fights.