Paddy Pimblett is still awaiting confirmation for his next fight, but he`s confident it will be against a significant opponent.
As a popular lightweight contender boasting a perfect 7-0 record in the UFC and ranked within the top 15 of the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, Pimblett has several compelling options. “The Baddy” is coming off a dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April.
Currently, at the forefront of Pimblett`s desired opponents are the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who is set to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28, and former interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett shares a long-standing rivalry with Topuria and expressed his hope that “El Matador” will call him out if he defeats Oliveira, but he is also enthusiastic about a potential matchup with the consistently exciting Gaethje.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Pimblett stated, “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.”
He further commented, “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 October event in Abu Dhabi, the promotion has held a pay-per-view event in the city during that month every year since 2020.
Pimblett and Topuria have feuded for years through various platforms, but a bout between them was logistically challenging within the UFC, as Pimblett competed at 155 pounds and Topuria at 145 pounds. However, with Topuria vacating his featherweight title to pursue lightweight gold, the rivals are now in closer proximity.
Should Pimblett need to face another top contender to set up a future fight with Topuria, he would significantly prefer a bout against Gaethje over Arman Tsarukyan, who holds the #1 spot in the official UFC rankings.
Pimblett articulated his preference, stating, “No one cares about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight.” He believes, “People know it`ll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje.”
He continued, labeling Tsarukyan as “just an absolute tool,” and looked ahead, stating, “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.”
In related news, Tsarukyan was originally scheduled to challenge then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 in January, but a back injury forced his withdrawal the day prior. UFC CEO Dana White has stated that Tsarukyan is not guaranteed another title shot immediately, while Makhachev is reportedly moving up to welterweight to face champion Jack Della Maddalena. (Note: This last sentence reflects the original text`s information, which may not align with the most recent fight announcements).
Regarding his long-term ambitions, Pimblett plans to deliver a statement performance in his next fight against any opponent to convince Dana White to book a UFC event in his hometown of Liverpool, England, ideally at the home ground of Liverpool F.C.
“It needs to be Anfield [stadium],” Pimblett insisted. “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 on a Champions League night or when we play Manchester United or something like that, or even `the blue shirt` [Everton].”
He concluded his plea, saying, “You need to come and watch because you`d be like, `Wow, this is unbelievable.`”
