Paddy Pimblett, the popular lightweight contender boasting an impressive 7-0 record in the UFC and a top 15 position in the rankings, is currently awaiting his next fight announcement. While his opponent isn`t confirmed yet, “The Baddy,” fresh off a decisive TKO win over Michael Chandler in April, anticipates facing a major name.
Two primary targets sit atop Pimblett`s list: the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who is scheduled to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28, and former interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett has a long-standing rivalry with Topuria and expressed a desire for “El Matador” to call him out should he emerge victorious against Oliveira. However, he also looks forward to a potential matchup with the consistently exciting Gaethje.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Pimblett outlined his expected timeline and opponent:
“I’m hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that’s when I’m going to be back in the cage,” Pimblett said. “I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I’d love to beat him if he gets the belt.
“I’d love to fight him anyway, but he’s booked, so I think it’s more than likely Justin Gaethje.”
While the UFC has not formally announced an event in Abu Dhabi for October, the promotion has hosted a pay-per-view card in that location during that month every year since 2020.
The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria has unfolded over several years both in person and online. A fight between the two was previously complicated by their differing weight classes (155 pounds for Pimblett, 145 for Topuria). However, with Topuria recently vacating his featherweight title to pursue lightweight opportunities, a potential clash is now much more viable.
Potential Opponents: Gaethje vs. Tsarukyan
Should Pimblett need another fight before potentially facing Topuria, he clearly prefers a bout with Gaethje over Arman Tsarukyan, who currently holds the top contender spot in the official UFC rankings.
Pimblett was straightforward about his preference and assessment of Tsarukyan:
“No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight,” Pimblett said. “People know it’ll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje.
“Tsarukyan, he’s just an absolute tool.”
Pimblett views his next fight as a critical step towards title contention.
“One win away and I’ll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that’s always been the aim. It’s the only aim that we have,” he stated.
Contextually, Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to fight then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January, but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury just before the event. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated that Tsarukyan is not guaranteed the next title shot, while Makhachev is reportedly moving up to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Pushing for a UFC Event in Liverpool
Looking beyond his next opponent, Pimblett is also focused on making a significant statement to convince Dana White to bring a UFC event to his hometown of Liverpool, England. He envisions the ideal venue being Anfield, the home stadium of Liverpool F.C.
Pimblett emphasized the location`s importance:
“It needs to be Anfield [stadium],” Pimblett said. “That’s the only the only viable place to do it. And I know Dana doesn’t like doing stadiums, he’s done it in Australia, but Anfield is different.”
He urged White to personally experience the atmosphere at Anfield, particularly during a major football match.
“He needs to come to Anfield on a Champions League night or when we play Manchester United or something like that, or even the blue shirt [Everton]. You need to come and watch because you’d be like, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable.’”
