While Paddy Pimblett`s next opponent has not yet been officially booked, the popular lightweight contender is confident he will face a prominent name.
Holding a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC and ranked within the top 15 in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, “The Baddy” presents appealing options for the promotion. His most recent outing saw him secure a decisive TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April.
Pimblett`s immediate targets for his next bout include the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who is set to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight championship 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 hopes that “El Matador” will call him out if he defeats Oliveira. However, he also looks forward to a potential clash with the always exciting Gaethje.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Pimblett shared 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.” He added, “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.”
Although the UFC has not formally announced an October event in Abu Dhabi, the promotion has consistently held a pay-per-view show in the region during that month each year since 2020, aligning with Pimblett`s potential return timeframe.
The feud between Pimblett and Topuria has persisted for years, manifesting both in person and across social media platforms. A matchup between them was previously logistically challenging due to Pimblett competing at lightweight (155 pounds) and Topuria at featherweight (145 pounds). However, Topuria`s recent move up to lightweight after vacating his featherweight title brings the rivals into the same division, making a future confrontation significantly more plausible.
If he must face another contender before a potential showdown with Topuria, Pimblett expressed a strong preference for Gaethje over Arman Tsarukyan, who currently holds the No. 1 spot in the UFC`s official rankings.
Pimblett stated his reasoning: “No one cares about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight. People know it’ll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje.” He further emphasized his title aspirations: “Tsarukyan, he’s just an absolute tool, and then it’s me and Gaethje. 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.”
Providing context on Tsarukyan`s situation, he was reportedly scheduled to challenge then-champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury. According to the report, UFC CEO Dana White suggested Tsarukyan isn`t guaranteed the next title shot, while the article mentions Makhachev potentially moving up to welterweight to face champion Jack Della Maddalena. (Note: Information regarding Makhachev`s next opponent may differ from current reports).
Looking ahead, Pimblett`s ultimate goal is to deliver a performance in his next fight compelling enough to convince Dana White to stage a UFC event in his hometown of Liverpool, England. His dream venue is none other than the iconic Anfield stadium, home of Liverpool F.C.
“It needs to be Anfield,” Pimblett asserted. “That’s 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 needs to come to Anfield… You need to come and watch because you’d be like, ‘Wow, this is unbelievable.’”
