Pimblett Eyes Topuria Fight, But Gaethje Bout More Likely

Paddy Pimblett, the English mixed martial artist, has expressed his desire to face Ilia Topuria in the octagon this October. However, a fight against Justin Gaethje in Abu Dhabi appears to be the more probable scenario.

Following his victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in Miami this past April, Pimblett called out a top-five opponent for his next challenge.

Topuria is slated to battle lightweight champion Charles Oliveira for the title at UFC 317 on June 28, after Islam Makhachev’s expected move to the welterweight division to pursue Jack Della Maddalena’s title.

Gaethje, currently ranked third in the UFC lightweight division, holds a significant ranking advantage over Pimblett.

Pimblett anticipates competing at one of the UFC events scheduled for Abu Dhabi in October. “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 stated.

He further added, “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.”

Pimblett and Topuria previously engaged in a physical altercation in the featherweight division at a hotel before UFC London in 2022.

Topuria relinquished his belt earlier this year to transition to the lightweight division, potentially setting the stage for a future clash with Pimblett.

Gaethje’s most recent appearance was in March, where he secured a win against Rafael Fiziev. Notably, Gaethje has an impressive record of knocking out 20 of his 26 opponents.

Arman Tsarukyan is the only other fighter in the top five without a scheduled fight, but Pimblett has shown no interest in facing him. “No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight. People know it’ll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje,” Pimblett concluded.