Paddy Pimblett doesn’t have his subsequent opponent booked but, however he’s positive it’s going to be a serious title.
There are a handful of interesting choices for Pimblett, a preferred light-weight contender sporting a 7-0 UFC file and a prime 15 spot within the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. “The Baddy” is coming off of a lopsided TKO win over Michael Chandler this previous April.
On the prime of Pimblett’s hit listing proper now are the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who fights Charles Oliveira for a vacant light-weight title in the principle occasion of UFC 317 on June 28, and one-time interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett has had an ongoing rivalry with Topuria and hopes “El Matador” calls his title ought to he beat Oliveira, however he seems to be ahead to a matchup with the all the time thrilling Gaethje as nicely.
“I’m hoping to battle in Abu Dhabi in October. I believe that’s after I’m going to be again within the cage,” Pimblett informed BBC Sport. I used to be considering Ilia would possibly name me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I’d like to beat him if he will get the belt.
“I’d like to battle him anyway, however he’s booked, so I believe it’s greater than seemingly Justin Gaethje.”
The UFC has not formally introduced an October occasion in Abu Dhabi, however the promotion has held a pay-per-view present there throughout that month yearly since 2020.
Pimblett and Topuria have feuded for years both in person and on social media, however a bout between the 2 didn’t make logistical sense within the UFC with Pimblett competing at 155 kilos and Topuria at 145 kilos. Nonetheless, with Topuria having vacated his featherweight title to chase light-weight gold, the rivals are abruptly in nearer proximity.
Ought to Pimblett need to battle one other contender to arrange a battle with Topuria, he’d a lot quite it’s Gaethje than Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 contender within the UFC’s official rankings.
“Nobody [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and folks really need to watch Gaethje battle,” Pimblett stated. “Individuals realize it’ll be an thrilling battle, me versus Gaethje.
“Tsarukyan, he’s simply an absolute device, after which it’s me and Gaethje. One win away and I’ll be combating for the belt. Yeah, that’s all the time been the goal. It’s the one goal that we’ve got.”
Tsarukyan was to problem then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his title at UFC 311 this previous January, however a again harm compelled Tsarukyan out a day earlier than the occasion. UFC CEO Dana White stated Tsarukyan is just not assured one other title shot, whereas Makhachev is shifting as much as welterweight to battle champion Jack Della Maddalena.
As for Pimblett, he’s planning to make an announcement towards whoever he fights subsequent to persuade White to guide a present in his hometown of Liverpool, England, ideally on the house of Liverpool F.C.
“It must be Anfield [stadium],” Pimblett stated. “That’s the one the one viable place to do it. And I do know Dana doesn’t like doing stadiums, he’s accomplished it in Australia, however Anfield is totally different. He wants to return to Anfield on a Champions League night time or after we play Manchester United or one thing like that, and even the blue shirt [Everton].
“You’ll want to come and watch since you’d be like, ‘Wow, that is unbelievable.’”
