Paddy Pimblett is eagerly awaiting a UFC call to arrange a lightweight title fight with Ilia Topuria following his dominant victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April. Pimblett’s win over the No. 12-ranked contender moved him closer to challenging for the lightweight crown held by Topuria, who secured the vacant belt in June at UFC 317.
At UFC 317, Pimblett watched from the front row as Topuria knocked out former fan-favorite Charles Oliveira in the first round to become the new lightweight champion. After the fight, Pimblett entered the octagon and confronted Topuria, signaling his intentions to become one of the primary challengers for the title.
Pimblett’s public challenge intensifies his push for a title opportunity
On Thursday, Pimblett used social media to update supporters on his status, posting an Instagram message saying, “Just waiting on that call,” accompanied by a photo from his UFC 304 victory over King Green in Manchester. This statement underlines his eagerness to face Topuria and claim his place at the top of the lightweight division.
He also taunted Topuria by calling him
“El chorizo I’m coming for you.”
This nickname reflects the duo’s longstanding rivalry, which includes an intense altercation during a London hotel confrontation in 2022, where Pimblett famously dubbed Topuria “hand sanitiser boy.”
Topuria has become a significant figure in the division by holding two UFC titles—first as featherweight champion at 145 lb, where he defeated Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 to win the belt and defended it against Max Holloway, before moving up to lightweight and beating Oliveira for the vacant title.
Other contenders lining up for Topuria’s title defense
While Pimblett campaigns loudly for a title shot, several other fighters are also pushing to face Topuria next. Arman Tsarukyan, currently the No. 1-ranked lightweight, claims he is likely to be chosen for the next championship bout. He said,
“I’m number one in the rankings, but the UFC can do whatever they want,”
and added,
“I think there is a 70 per cent chance I’ll fight Topuria next.”
Tsarukyan holds a 22-3 professional MMA record and was scheduled to face former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in a title fight earlier this year, which fell through due to illness.
Additionally, Tsarukyan served as the backup fighter for the Topuria versus Oliveira match, further positioning himself as a logical contender for the belt.
Justin Gaethje, ranked No. 5 in the lightweight division, has taken a firmer stance, insisting he will retire if denied a chance to fight Topuria next. Speaking to ESPN, Gaethje said he would refuse to fight “The Baddy” unless it was for the title, stressing his frustration with the UFC’s matchmaking decisions:
“Absolutely not,”
“They bring a new guy in and give a guy who is 2-2 the fight. If their algorithm and their match tell them to use me until I get beat, then I’m going to have to re-evaluate what I’m doing here.”
He also emphasized his ranking and recent record, explaining,
“I know that sounds petty or whatever, but I’m No. 3, I’m 3-1 in my last four, the champion was calling to fight me, and he vacated.”
Current tension reflects competition and uncertainty in UFC lightweight division
The race to face Ilia Topuria illustrates growing tensions in the lightweight category, with multiple fighters expressing frustration at the UFC’s decisions and the delay in confirming the next challenger. Pimblett’s public calls and social media messages signal increasing impatience amid the uncertainty.
Pimblett’s challenge is underscored by the serious rivalry he shares with Topuria, whose rise to double champion status has reshaped the division’s landscape. His move up from featherweight after vacating the 145 lb title and swift knockout of Oliveira have intensified demand for high-profile title defenses.
How UFC president Dana White and UFC owners handle this contention between eager contenders like Pimblett, Tsarukyan, and Gaethje will significantly impact the division’s future drama and the business of championship matchmaking.
If Pimblett secures the next fight, it will fulfill his long-standing ambition to compete for gold after showing dominance in recent bouts. But if the UFC opts for another contender, Pimblett may face a longer path or increased pressure to maintain momentum in the highly competitive lightweight class.
For now, the lightweight division remains unsettled, with fans and fighters alike waiting to see who will step into the octagon next to challenge Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title fight.