Paddy Pimblett has strongly rejected claims that he does not deserve a UFC lightweight title fight against Illia Topuria, his fierce rival. The confrontation comes after Topuria clinched the vacant lightweight belt with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this month, intensifying calls for Pimblett’s rightful shot at the title.
Having secured his place in title contention by stopping Michael Chandler in the third round last April, Pimblett insists his performance warrants an immediate chance to challenge Topuria for the belt.
The Build-up to a High-Stakes Lightweight Clash
Topuria openly welcomed a fight against Pimblett, highlighting their ongoing rivalry rooted in tensions from previous encounters. Following his victory at UFC 317, Topuria’s call-out intensified their animosity, underlining the fight’s importance to fans and the division alike.
The pair’s hostile history dates back to 2022 when Pimblett’s online comments sparked a physical altercation at a London fighter hotel during UFC Fight Night 204, setting the stage for their upcoming confrontation.
Pimblett’s Case for a Title Shot
Pimblett expressed frustration over perceptions that other fighters received title shots under less convincing circumstances. He pointed to Islam Makhachev, who earned his title fight after defeating Bobby Green, a fight Pimblett claims he surpassed in efficiency.
It annoys me when people say I’m not deserving when Islam [Makhachev] got a title after beating Bobby Green, and I beat him faster,
Pimblett said.
[Charles] Oliveira just got another title shot off beating [Michael] Chandler who he went to decision with and nearly got finished with, when I beat Chandler up for three rounds and beat him like no one has before.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight Contender
He also criticized the justification for Justin Gaethje’s recent title shot, pointing out Gaethje’s recent losses and low-ranked opponents. Pimblett highlighted a double standard, feeling his achievements are treated differently despite comparable or superior performances.
People just have a different opinion when it’s me, whereas these others fighters it’s alright, they give them a title shot.
People are saying [Justin] Gaethje when Gaethje has just beaten rank 11 or 12 and coming back off the knock out of the year against [Max] Holloway in a fight he lost.
Topuria and Pimblett: The Biggest Fight in Lightweight Division
Beyond title ambitions, Pimblett stressed the significant history and rivalry they share, calling their potential meeting
“the biggest fight the UFC can make,”
rivaling even the top pound-for-pound matchups. He contrasted this with the current highest-ranked fighters in the division.
You can probably make arguments for several people but the fact that me and Ilia have got history I think, apart from Ilia and Islam who are pound for pound number one and two, me versus Ilia is the biggest fight the UFC can make.
—Paddy Pimblett, UFC Lightweight Contender
Escalation at UFC 317 Ignites Renewed Hostilities
After Topuria’s impressive knockout of Oliveira to claim the lightweight title, a confrontation unfolded at UFC 317 that underscored their longstanding feud. Pimblett, watching from the audience, was called to the ring by Topuria, leading to a heated exchange that included Topuria shoving Pimblett.
Let’s fight! If you’re ready, I’m here,
Topuria challenged Pimblett just before entering the ring.
Topuria had declared earlier in February his intention to move up to the lightweight division after former champion Islam Makhachev vacated the belt to compete at welterweight. His knockdown and knockout of Oliveira, who had been stripped of the belt in May 2022 due to a weight miss, showcased Topuria’s mastery and confirmed his status as the new division leader.
Topuria’s Post-Fight Confidence and Style
Following the fight, Topuria confidently described his approach and the significance of his win, portraying himself as a new-era martial artist setting the bar for the lightweight division’s future.
I already said it – I represent the new generation of the mix of martial arts, this is the next level of the game. This is the next thing, and this is what I represent,
Topuria said.
I did exactly what we had planned, lot of jabs, right hand, left hook, and boom – his lights were out.
—Ilia Topuria, UFC Lightweight Champion
What Lies Ahead for Pimblett and the Lightweight Division
The tension between Pimblett and Topuria highlights a crucial crossroads for the UFC lightweight division, where promises of dramatic matchups and fierce competition loom. Pimblett’s insistence on his rightful title shot reflects a larger debate over merit and opportunity within the sport’s elite ranks.
If the UFC chooses to match these rivals, it would not only resolve a bitter feud but also deliver one of the most anticipated lightweight bouts in recent memory, shaping the division’s future landscape. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the organization’s decision on how this compelling rivalry will unfold.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Has Paddy Pimblett ever lost a fight?
A. Early in his career, after winning a match, he competed for the Cage Warriors lightweight title but lost to Søren Bak by unanimous decision.
Q. Has Paddy Pimblett ever lost?
A. Early in his career, he faced his first loss to Cameron Else, getting choked out in just 35 seconds during an October 2013 match. This happened only three fights into his tenure with Cage Warriors. Clearly, he took this defeat as a learning experience because Pimblett then embarked on an impressive winning streak that lasted until April 2017.
Q. Why did Paddy Pimblett get $200,000?
A. At the pre-fight press conference last Thursday, White agreed to double the bonuses after Green asked. Surprisingly, Pimblett’s bonus increased again on Saturday night. Pimblett earned the extra reward for winning with a first-round submission against Green during the main fight card.
Q. Is Paddy Pimblett a millionaire?
A. By 2025, it is believed that Pimblett will be worth around $5 million. His UFC career record stands at 22 wins, 3 losses, and no draws. He rapidly became a well-known MMA fighter. As he gained fame, he quickly secured many endorsement deals and earned a lot from social media.