Paddy Pimblett doesn’t have his next opponent booked yet, but he’s sure it’s going to be a major name.
There are a handful of appealing options for Pimblett, a popular lightweight contender sporting a 7-0 UFC record and a top 15 spot in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings. “The Baddy” is coming off of a lopsided TKO win over Michael Chandler this past April.
At the top of Pimblett’s hit list right now are the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who fights Charles Oliveira for a vacant lightweight title in the main event 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 name should he beat Oliveira, but he looks forward to a matchup with the always exciting Gaethje as well.
“I’m hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that’s when I’m going to be back in the cage,” Pimblett told BBC Sport. “I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I’d love to beat him if he gets the belt.
“I’d love to fight him anyway, but he’s booked, so I think it’s more than likely Justin Gaethje.”
Paddy Pimblett hopes Ilia Topuria calls him out with win at UFC 317, but expects Justin Gaethje fight
Paddy Pimblett thinks his next matchup is most likely Justin Gaethje this October in Abu Dhabi.