Paddy Pimblett has identified two potential opponents for his next UFC fight if he is not immediately matched against Ilia Topuria. Following the highly anticipated UFC 317 event in Las Vegas, where Topuria claimed the vacant lightweight title by knocking out Charles Oliveira, Pimblett sought to challenge the new champion, citing a longstanding rivalry. However, some in the MMA community have questioned whether Pimblett’s recent victory over Michael Chandler merits a direct title shot.
With the UFC possibly delaying a match with Topuria, Pimblett has considered alternative opponents to keep progressing toward a championship opportunity. His focus remains on securing a fight that can either validate his claim or maintain his momentum in the lightweight division.
Gaethje and Hooker Emerge as Primary Contenders for Pimblett
Before UFC 317, Pimblett had pinned Justin Gaethje as his preferred opponent in a title eliminator match. Yet uncertainty around Gaethje’s intentions arose when his manager suggested he might retire if he does not receive the next title shot. This development leaves Pimblett with limited options.
Speaking during an appearance on Eric Nicksick’s Verse Us podcast, Pimblett confirmed that Gaethje still tops his list if the UFC postpones a fight with Topuria. Beyond Gaethje, he only sees Dan Hooker as a viable alternative.
It would more than likely be Gaethje, to be honest,
Pimblett said.
I don’t think anyone cares about watching Arman Tsarukyan fight…no one gives a f— about him.
I reckon it would be Gaethje. Obviously, (Dustin) Poirier’s retiring. (Max) Holloway’s gonna have a f—— war with him, so obviously he’s not fighting for a few months.
Dan Hooker, maybe,
Pimblett added.
Hooker has not competed recently due to an injury that sidelined him after he disrupted title contention with a win over Mateusz Gamrot last August in Australia. He was initially scheduled to face Gaethje before being forced out by the setback, which now leaves Pimblett watching cautiously for Hooker’s return as a potential opponent.
Pimblett Pushes for a High-Stakes Rivalry to Elevate the Lightweight Division
Pimblett’s ideal scenario remains a direct confrontation with Topuria, claiming their rivalry represents the UFC’s first true grudge match since the intense clashes between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor. He argues that a bout with Topuria would be compelling without needing extra promotion, fueled by genuine animosity.
I’m always ready to do that (face off). We’ve got history,
Pimblett stated.
You don’t even need to sell that fight, it sells itself. Two people who genuinely dislike each other.
You don’t really see that. We haven’t seen that since Khabib and McGregor. Two people who actually hate each other because I hate him. I wouldn’t even want to finish him fast. I’d want to finish him with a minute left in the fight after I’ve elbowed him 700 times. I want to disfigure him.
Despite Pimblett’s fervent desire to settle the score in the Octagon, the UFC’s decision on matchups will determine whether this bitter rivalry reaches the championship cage immediately or if Pimblett must face Gaethje or Hooker first. The direction UFC takes could impact the lightweight division’s landscape significantly in the coming months.