Paddy Pimblett doesn’t have his subsequent opponent booked but, however he’s certain it’s going to be a significant identify.
There are a handful of interesting choices for Pimblett, a well-liked light-weight contender sporting a 7-0 UFC document and a high 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 high of Pimblett’s hit checklist 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 identify ought to he beat Oliveira, however he seems ahead to a matchup with the at all times thrilling Gaethje as nicely.
“I’m hoping to battle in Abu Dhabi in October. I feel that’s once I’m going to be again within the cage,” Pimblett advised BBC Sport. I used to be considering Ilia may 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 feel it’s greater than possible 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. Nevertheless, with Topuria having vacated his featherweight title to chase light-weight gold, the rivals are all of the sudden in nearer proximity.
Ought to Pimblett must battle one other contender to arrange a battle with Topuria, he’d a lot slightly it’s Gaethje than Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 contender within the UFC’s official rankings.
“Nobody [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and other people really need to watch Gaethje battle,” Pimblett mentioned. “Folks understand it’ll be an thrilling battle, me versus Gaethje.
“Tsarukyan, he’s simply an absolute instrument, after which it’s me and Gaethje. One win away and I’ll be combating for the belt. Yeah, that’s at all times been the intention. It’s the one intention that we’ve.”
Tsarukyan was to problem then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his title at UFC 311 this previous January, however a again damage pressured Tsarukyan out a day earlier than the occasion. UFC CEO Dana White mentioned Tsarukyan is just not assured one other title shot, whereas Makhachev is transferring as much as welterweight to battle champion Jack Della Maddalena.
As for Pimblett, he’s planning to make a press release towards whoever he fights subsequent to persuade White to e book a present in his hometown of Liverpool, England, ideally on the dwelling of Liverpool F.C.
“It must be Anfield [stadium],” Pimblett mentioned. “That’s the one the one viable place to do it. And I do know Dana doesn’t like doing stadiums, he’s achieved it in Australia, however Anfield is completely different. He wants to come back to Anfield on a Champions League evening or after we play Manchester United or one thing like that, and even the blue shirt [Everton].
“That you must come and watch since you’d be like, ‘Wow, that is unbelievable.’”
