Justin Gaethje has firmly declined a potential matchup with Paddy Pimblett, making it clear that he will only accept a title shot in the UFC’s unsettled lightweight division. This announcement comes after Ilia Topuria captured the vacant 155-pound championship, and Islam Makhachev vacated the belt, leaving a turbulent landscape for contenders vying for the lightweight crown. Gaethje insists the UFC does not require his participation without a title opportunity, reinforcing his stance amid the ongoing Paddy Pimblett title shot controversy.
Known for his exciting fighting style and a record nine Fight of the Night honors, Gaethje’s position as the third-ranked lightweight and his recent 3-1 performance streak have emboldened him to demand a title fight rather than intermediate bouts. Specifically, he rejected a fight with the No.10-ranked Pimblett, emphasizing his unwillingness to compete without the championship at stake.
“Absolutely not, …If that’s the route they want me to take, I don’t believe they need me anymore. I know that sounds petty…but I’m No. 3, I’m [also] 3-1 in my last four.” —Justin Gaethje to ESPN’s MMA’s Brett Okamoto
Context Behind the Lightweight Division’s Current Uncertainty
The lightweight division remains unsettled following Topuria’s title win and Makhachev’s departure, throwing the contender lineup into disarray. Topuria has openly expressed willingness to defend his belt against Paddy Pimblett first, following their intense faceoff. Many experts and fans argue that a showdown between Gaethje and Pimblett would better clarify the true No.1 contender position before a title defense.
Despite Pimblett’s rising profile, questions surround his recent path, with critics pointing to wins over older or previously top-tier opponents, including a third-round TKO victory over Michael Chandler. Pimblett is still solidifying his claim to a title fight, and some believe he needs at least one more significant win to justify a championship bout. Conversely, Gaethje’s extensive track record, including spoiling Tony Ferguson’s long winning streak and participation in landmark fights, strengthens his argument for immediate title contention.
Gaethje Criticizes UFC’s Matchmaking System and Demand for Merit-Based Opportunities
Justin Gaethje’s frustration extends beyond just refusing Pimblett. He openly challenges the UFC’s matchmaking and ranking procedures, accusing the organization of inconsistent decisions that hinder merit-based opportunities. Gaethje highlights the irregularities where fighters with less consistent records receive title shots ahead of him, despite his solid recent performance and ranking.
“The champion [Islam] was calling [on] to fight me, but then he vacated…and they brought a new guy in and gave a guy that’s 2-2 [Charles Oliveira, in last few] the fight, …So if their algorithm and their math tell them to just use me until I get beat, then I’m really going to have to re-evaluate what I’m doing here. I signed for a merit-based system, I live by that.” —Justin Gaethje
Gaethje’s critique points to the opaque nature of UFC rankings and matchmaking, where media outlets such as USAToday, Yahoo! Sports, and UPROXX influence rankings, while matchmaking decisions rest with UFC executives like Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby. Unlike the transparent competition structure some fighters seek, the UFC’s internal ranking and opponent selection processes remain shrouded in uncertainty.
The Wider Implications for UFC Lightweight Title Picture
The refusal of Gaethje to engage in fights without a title shot and his vocal criticism highlight growing tensions within the UFC lightweight division’s hierarchy. UFC president Dana White has previously dismissed similar claims as “wacky,” but Gaethje’s stance reflects a wider demand among fighters for a meritocratic system that rewards recent performance consistently.
If Gaethje continues to push back against non-title fights, it may alter matchmaking strategies and force the UFC to address how contenders are selected for title shots. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, ranked No.1, remains in limbo, adding further complexity to the promotion’s decisions. Gaethje’s position thus underscores a critical moment in how UFC manages its top contenders amid a volatile division landscape, which could influence upcoming pay-per-view events and the promotion’s competitive narrative.
Distance and Debate Surround the Gaethje-Pimblett Matchup
Geographically and stylistically, Gaethje and Pimblett represent very different profiles in the lightweight rankings. Pimblett, often referred to by his Scouse heritage, has justice to prove against a deeper, more accomplished field, while Gaethje’s consistent high-level performances make him a favorite for a direct title opportunity. This divergence creates a difficult path forward, as Gaethje is unwilling to fight a lower-ranked opponent, viewing it as a step backward in his career.
The division continues to grapple with this dilemma as fans await a clearer decision from UFC officials on whether Pimblett will receive the next title shot or if Gaethje’s demands will accelerate his own shot at the belt. The outcome will be critical for the lightweight division’s future matchups and the narrative around who deserves a championship fight most.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Paddy Pimblett get $200,000?
A. Initially, White agreed to double the bonuses after Green requested it at last Thursday’s pre-fight press conference. Surprisingly, Pimblett received a second bonus increase Saturday night. This was for his first-round submission win against Green during the main event.
Q. Why did Paddy Pimblett get 200k?
A. Interestingly, Pimblett earned recognition for making Green tap out in the first round of the evening’s main card. Pimblett is only the third person to make Green submit in his 50 professional fights, and the first since 2009.
Q. Can Paddy Pimblett drive?
A. It’s hard to believe that more than five years have passed since he completed the Taxi Driver Test. Time goes by quickly when you’re enjoying yourself, and following “The Baddy” has been exciting and entertaining.
Q. Is Paddy Pimblett a millionaire?
A. His special charm, especially with fans in Britain and Europe, has made him a famous MMA star. By 2025, Pimblett’s net worth is about $5 million. In the UFC, his career record is 22 wins, 3 losses, and no draws. People have watched his rapid rise in the MMA scene.