Paddy Pimblett is currently without a scheduled opponent for his next fight, but he anticipates facing a significant competitor.
As a popular lightweight contender with a 7-0 UFC record and a place in the top 15 of the MMA Fighting Global Rankings, several compelling options exist for “The Baddy”. He recently secured a dominant TKO victory over Michael Chandler in April.
Pimblett`s primary targets include the unbeaten Ilia Topuria, set to challenge Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28, and former interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett shares a long-standing rivalry with Topuria and hopes “El Matador” will call him out if he defeats Oliveira. However, he also welcomes a bout against the consistently thrilling Gaethje.
Pimblett stated, “I`m hoping to compete in Abu Dhabi in October. I believe that`s when I`ll return to the octagon.” He added, “I was considering that Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I`d be keen to defeat him if he secures the belt.”
However, he noted, “I`d love to fight him regardless, but he`s already scheduled, so I think a fight with Justin Gaethje is more probable.”
The UFC has not formally confirmed an event in Abu Dhabi for October, although the promotion has consistently hosted a pay-per-view card there each October since 2020.
Pimblett and Topuria`s feud spans years, involving both face-to-face encounters and social media exchanges. Previously, a matchup was logistically challenging within the UFC due to Pimblett competing at 155 pounds and Topuria at 145 pounds. Yet, with Topuria moving up to pursue the lightweight title, the possibility of a fight between the two rivals has significantly increased.
If Pimblett needs to face another contender before potentially fighting Topuria, he strongly prefers Gaethje over Arman Tsarukyan, despite Tsarukyan holding the No. 1 position in the UFC`s official rankings.
Pimblett commented, “Nobody really cares about Arman Tsarukyan, whereas people genuinely want to see Gaethje compete.” He added, “People recognize that a fight between me and Gaethje would be thrilling.”
He continued, “`Tsarukyan, he`s simply an absolute tool, and then there`s me and Gaethje.` Pimblett believes one more win would put him in line for a title shot. `Yeah, that`s always been the goal. It`s our sole objective.`”
Arman Tsarukyan was scheduled to challenge then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for the title at UFC 311 in January, but a back injury forced him to withdraw just a day before the event. UFC CEO Dana White indicated that Tsarukyan is not guaranteed another title opportunity, while Makhachev is reportedly moving up to welterweight to face champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Regarding Pimblett`s own plans, he intends to deliver a decisive performance against his next opponent to persuade Dana White to schedule a UFC event in his hometown of Liverpool, England, ideally at the home stadium of Liverpool F.C.
Pimblett insisted, “`It absolutely has to be Anfield [stadium]. That`s the sole viable location to host it. I know Dana isn`t keen on stadium shows, although he`s done one in Australia, but Anfield is unique.` He urged White to `come witness it on a Champions League night, or when we play Manchester United, or even the blue shirt [Everton].` He believes White would be amazed: `You need to come and watch because you`d think, `Wow, this is incredible.“”
