Paddy Pimblett has yet to book his next opponent, but he is sure it will be a major name.
Pimblett is a popular lightweight contender with a 7-0 UFC record and has some fascinating options that boast the top 15 spots in the MMA Fighting Global rankings. “The Baddy” escapes from a TKO victory that was biased against Michael Chandler this April.
Top of the current Pinblet hit list is undefeated Iliatopria, who will face Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 317 on June 28th, and one-time interim champion Justingeche.
Pimblett has a continuing rivalry with Topuria and hopes that “El Matador” will call him by his name if he defeats Oliveira, but he is always looking forward to a matchup with the exciting Gaethje.
“I hope to compete in Abu Dhabi in October, and that’s when I’ll come back to the cage,” Pinblett told BBC Sports. I thought Ilia might call me if he won (against Oliveira). I want to beat him when he gets the belt.
“I just want to fight him anyway, but he’s booked so I think there’s probably a lot of Justin Getteje.”
The UFC has not officially announced its October event in Abu Dhabi, but the promotion has held a pay-per-view show that month every year since 2020.
Pimblett and Topuria have been countering both in person and on social media for years, but the match between the two was in the UFC where Pimblett competed for 155 pounds and Topuria competed for 145 pounds. However, the rival is suddenly nearby as Topuria vacates his featherweight title to chase the lightweight gold.
If Pimblett has to fight another candidate to set up a battle with Topuria, he would rather be Gaethje rather than Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 candidate in the UFC’s official rankings.
“Arman Zarkian and the people don’t really want to see the battle of Gatie,” Pinblett said. “People know it’s going to be an exciting fight.
“Emperor, he’s just an absolute tool, and it’s me and Geche. One wins, I’ll fight for the belt. Yeah, that’s always an objective. That’s the only purpose we have.”
Tsarkian was to challenge then-lightweight champion Islam Makachev with his title at UFC 311 this January, but a back injury forced him out a day before the event. UFC CEO Dana White said Tsarukyan is not guaranteed another title shot and Makhachev is moving to Welterweight to fight champion Jack Della Maddalena.
Regarding Pimblett, he plans to make a statement with the guy he fights next to.
“It has to be Anfield (stadium),” Pinblett said. “It’s the only viable place to do it. And I know Dana doesn’t like doing stadiums and did it in Australia, but Anfield isn’t.
“I think, ‘Wow, this is incredible’ so you need to come and see. ”