LAS VEGAS – Drew Dober wonders if Paddy Pimblett might actually accept a matchup with him in the aftermath of being knocked out in his most recent fight.

Dober (26-12 MMA, 13-7 UFC) suffered a first-round knockout loss to Matt Frevola at UFC 288 in May. It was a tough loss, but not one that has deflated his spirits.

Over the past few fights, regardless of result, Dober has been saying Pimblett’s (20-3 MMA, 4-0 UFC) name as much as possible. He’s expressed doubt it would ever come together, but, given his most recent result, now has some more optimism on his side.

“Ideally I want somebody in that top 10. But that Paddy Pimblett fight’s looking pretty good, too,” Dober told MMA Junkie Radio on UFC X Radio Row earlier this month. “I wonder if he’s going to find his courage and take a fight with me.”

Pimblett is currently recovering from an ankle surgery earlier this year, but has said he wants to get back in the cage before 2023 comes to an end. The opponent remains to be seem, but Dober isn’t keen on waiting around for too long, because at 34, activity is the priority.

“The sooner (I fight), the better,” Dober said. “I told the UFC that I’m available. We’re going through opponents, and whoever is going to say yes. You only live once, so you try to get as many opportunities as possible.

“The idea of retiring scares me, so we’re just going to get as many fights as we possibly can before I retire. It doesn’t take much to motivate me.”