Paddy Pimblett has boldly stepped forward ahead of UFC 317, targeting the winner of the lightweight title fight between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira. The bout, scheduled to determine the new UFC Lightweight champion, pits Topuria against Oliveira for the vacant belt once held by Islam Makhachev.
Pimblett has warned both fighters, making it clear he intends to pursue the championship soon and is ready to face whoever emerges victorious. His ambition signals a fierce competition for the belt and sets the stage for a potential high-stakes showdown.
Pimblett Confident in His Ability to Defeat Either Title Contender
Speaking with MMA Weekly, Pimblett expressed no hesitation over who claims the belt at UFC 317, emphasizing his readiness to challenge the champion regardless of identity. He portrayed himself as the next contender in line, prepared to overcome any opponent in his path.
He said,
“I don’t care who wins tomorrow night. I’m always coming after the champ. That’s what you have to be prepared for, to fight the champion.”
Pimblett made clear that taking the fight offered to him is his priority before setting his sights firmly on the title.
He added,
“I’m not concerned about anything; whatever fight I get, I’ll take it. Then I’ll be coming for the title.”
I’ll beat any of them. It doesn’t matter who’s in front of me. I’ll beat them.
—Paddy Pimblett
Ilia Topuria Responds, Asserting Control Over His Future Opponents
Ilia Topuria also weighed in on Pimblett’s challenge, suggesting that Pimblett is just one win away from earning a title shot. After UFC 317, Topuria hopes to claim the belt and anticipates eventually facing Pimblett in the octagon.
However, Topuria remained confident he would come out on top in such a contest, emphasizing that the timing and terms of any fight will be his decision.
He told BBC Sport,
“I see that fight happening. He has to be ready because he doesn’t make those kind of decisions. It’s me who decides when, where and against who.”
Topuria added,
“The only thing I can tell him is ‘be ready’. Whenever you get the call you show up, you do your thing, you get your money, you go back home.”
He also said,
“He’s one fight away from the title shot. So if he gets that win, of course we are going to have that fight and I’m gonna whoop his a–.”
Pimblett’s Next Steps and UFC 317’s Implications for the Lightweight Division
Pimblett plans to attend UFC 317 ringside, watching closely as Topuria faces Oliveira to determine his upcoming opponent. His presence underscores his determination to evaluate the champion and prepare for the eventual challenge to the lightweight crown.
This title fight marks a pivotal moment for the division, with the winner becoming the next lightweight champion and Pimblett positioning himself as a formidable contender aiming to disrupt the hierarchy. Fans can expect intense rivalries and potential blockbuster matchups as the lightweight title chase unfolds.