Paddy Pimblett Drops Bombshell, Shakes Up UFC Title Picture

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Fresh off an impressive victory against Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett finds himself in the strongest position of his UFC career. He was able to silence doubters in his last fight, dominating a former title challenger.

New lightweight champion Ilia Topuria has a queue of lightweight contenders ready to snatch his belt and his undefeated record. While he would like to fight Islam Makhachev, a fight is most likely off the table for 2025, with Makhachev scheduled to fight for the UFC welterweight title later this year.

This means another title defense for Topuria is likely, and Pimblett has helped us narrow down the next challenger with his latest comments.

Ilia Topuria or Justin Gaethje?

Pimblett and Topuria’s hatred runs deep. It’s a fight that fans are desperate to see, and one which could break records. Their face-off at UFC 317 has only added fuel to the fire:

In a recent interview with One On One MMA, Pimblett was dismissive of one potential fight, but open to the idea of another.

Pimblett explained: “Arman [Tsarukyan] is a very good fighter, but no one cares about him. Everyone knows Justin Gaethje is a banger.

“If you’re fighting Gaethje, you’re going to have a fight, and he’s a legend – Arman is not. So I’d love to fight another legend in Justin Gaethje.”

However, Pimblett also claimed: “The biggest fight the UFC can make is me versus Ilia. It wouldn’t surprise me if I’ve got the belt in the next six to 12 months.”

We have already detailed why Tsarukyan may not be the next title contender. With Pimblett squashing any rumors of a fight with Tsarukyan, we’re almost certainly down to two.

UFC’s Lightweight Headache

Pimblett has set his sights on either the champ or Gaethje, so it seems simple, right?

Not really, here’s where it gets difficult. Gaethje has hinted at retirement if his next fight isn’t for the title, and in a recent interview with ESPN MMA, he had this to say on a potential matchup with Pimblett:

“Absolutely not. If that’s the route they [UFC] want me to take, then I don’t believe they need me anymore.”

While the UFC knows that Pimblett taking on their pound-for-pound #1 Topuria is the fight to make financially; they won’t want to lose a company legend in Gaethje.

The timeframe Pimblett suggested (6-12 months) before a title shot indicates he may feel like him and Gaethje is a more likely matchup. Possibly as a title-eliminator.

UFC officials now have a major task on their hands in deciding who is next for their up-and-coming superstar, Ilia Topuria.