UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett refuted recent rumors about a potential UFC 319 co-main event matchup against Justin Gaethje. The speculation originated from UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, who suggested that Pimblett would face Gaethje, a claim Pimblett publicly denied. This exchange unfolded amid rising interest in matchups within the UFC lightweight division.
As a rising figure in the lightweight title chase, Pimblett’s trajectory gained momentum after his fight against new UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. Topuria secured the belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira, setting the stage for potential title defenses against top contenders like Pimblett, Arman Tsarukyan, and Justin Gaethje, who were all present during UFC 317.
Exploring the Possibility of a Pimblett vs. Gaethje Fight
A fight between Pimblett and Gaethje would fit the profile of a No. 1 contender bout, especially as Justin Gaethje has voiced frustration over his delayed title opportunity and previously hinted at retirement if denied a shot. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan appears to have other plans for his next fight, which could open space for such a matchup.
However, Pimblett dismissed the UFC 319 booking rumor quickly after it gained traction online. In a statement on X, he posted,
“Yous are mad if you think I’m fighting in August [LAUGHS],”
directly addressing du Plessis’s claim.
As of now, the UFC has made no official announcements about Pimblett’s or Gaethje’s next bouts. Dana White, UFC’s president, has expressed skepticism about Pimblett immediately challenging Topuria despite their heated faceoff at UFC 317.
Pimblett’s recent performances have cemented his place among the lightweight elite. He defeated Michael Chandler at UFC 314 and remains undefeated in the UFC with wins over Tony Ferguson, Bobby Green, and Jared Gordon. In the meantime, Tsarukyan, who was backup fighter at UFC 317 before withdrawing from his scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev, is rumored to be targeting a fight against top contender Dan Hooker following their recent social media exchanges.
Tsarukyan Weighs in on Topuria and Oliveira Rivalry
Arman Tsarukyan offered his thoughts on the recent UFC lightweight championship dynamics, asserting that preparing for Ilia Topuria would be easier than facing Charles Oliveira. Tsarukyan, who is seeking his next fight after a series of victories—including a win over Oliveira at UFC 300—highlighted the challenge that Oliveira posed compared to the new champion.
Pimblett also criticized Oliveira’s performance at UFC 317, describing it as “embarrassing and amateur,” which contrasts with his prior praise for the former titleholder. These statements contribute to an increasingly intense and competitive atmosphere at the top of the lightweight division, where contenders are jockeying for positioning in the new era led by Topuria.
The lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most energetic and headline-grabbing weight classes, with several top fighters like Sean Strickland preparing for significant upcoming matchups.
Implications for the Lightweight Title Picture and What’s Next
The ongoing speculation and denials regarding Pimblett’s next opponent illustrate the fluidity and complexity of matchmaking in the UFC’s lightweight division. With Ilia Topuria’s recent championship victory, numerous contenders—including Pimblett, Gaethje, Tsarukyan, and others—are strategically positioning themselves for a future title shot.
Justin Gaethje’s next move remains crucial, as he continues his recovery from his win over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313, while Pimblett appears to be distancing himself from an immediate August return. Fans can expect more announcements as the UFC finalizes fights leading into UFC 319 and beyond, with the division’s top talents shaping a competitive landscape for the lightweight belt.