The UFC lightweight rankings faced intense scrutiny following UFC 319, where Khamzat Chimaev claimed the middleweight title by defeating Dricus Du Plessis. Almost immediately after this event, English fighter Paddy Pimblett made a surprising jump to the No. 7 spot in the lightweight standings, surpassing Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush, who had held the seventh and eighth positions. This adjustment occurred despite no recent losses from Gamrot or Dariush and sparked confusion among fans and analysts alike, raising questions about the criteria for these ranking changes amid the ongoing Ilia Topuria Paddy Pimblett rivalry.
The sudden promotion of Pimblett is puzzling considering recent performances within the division. Gamrot secured a victory in May 2025, while Dariush won his bout at UFC 317 in June 2025. Pimblett’s last fight took place in April 2025, where he achieved a third-round TKO over Michael Chandler. Despite Pimblett’s win, the timing and nature of his elevation, which pushed Gamrot and Dariush down, seem inconsistent with their continued winning streaks.
Background and History of the Topuria-Pimblett Feud
The ongoing tension between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett predates the rankings controversy and continues to fuel speculation over a potential title fight. The rivalry traces back to 2022 during UFC London fight week, where tensions nearly erupted into a physical altercation at a hotel. Since then, Topuria, nicknamed ‘El Matador,’ has publicly questioned Pimblett’s abilities, labeling him overrated. Pimblett, in turn, has dismissed Topuria’s remarks as signs of bitterness and obsession. This animosity culminated in a heated face-off at UFC 317, shortly after Topuria secured the lightweight championship.
While Pimblett has openly expressed interest in challenging Topuria for the lightweight title, Topuria has yet to respond favorably to the idea of Pimblett as a contender. Regardless, the clash between these two fighters has become one of the division’s most riveting storylines due to Pimblett’s rising popularity and charisma, alongside Topuria’s undefeated streak and technical skills.
Fan Response to Pimblett’s Surge in the Rankings
The abrupt rise of Paddy Pimblett to the No. 7 spot triggered a mix of frustration and suspicion within the UFC fan community. Many expressed disbelief, pointing out that Pimblett’s recent activity did not align with the promotions of stronger contenders like Mateusz Gamrot and Beneil Dariush. Some critics accused UFC president Dana White of favoritism, suggesting that Pimblett’s rapid ascent was orchestrated to set up a highly marketable matchup against champion Topuria.
This discontent was reflected on social media, where fans voiced their disapproval vigorously. One user stated,
“Beneil beat Moicano in June. Gamrot beat Klein, who was on a 6 fight winning streak in May. Paddy beat Chandler who is now 2-5 in the UFC. This is bs the ufc is so corrupted it’s disgusting” — Al Sibestian☦️
Other commentators highlighted the perceived injustice toward Gamrot and Dariush, accusing the UFC of manipulating rankings to better fit storylines rather than reflect competitive merit. Despite this backlash, several fans seemed intrigued by the possibility of a Pimblett vs. Topuria title bout, viewing it as an inevitable clash that would bring closure to their long-standing rivalry.
Ranking Controversy Highlights Possible Promotional Motives
Pimblett’s rise within the lightweight rankings appears influenced as much by promotional considerations as by athletic performance. While his victory over Michael Chandler enhanced his resume, the sudden timing of this elevation points to strategic moves by UFC management to generate buzz and set the stage for a potential title showdown with Topuria. Given Pimblett’s sizable fanbase and growing star power, the UFC may be positioning him for a shot at the championship despite the objections of certain factions within the division.
The UFC’s ranking system has faced criticism over the years for lacking transparency and consistency, leading some voices to call for AI-driven enforcement to ensure fairness. Pimblett’s leapfrogging past active and successful competitors has intensified these discussions, revealing tensions between market-driven decisions and sporting merit.
What Lies Ahead for the Lightweight Championship Picture
The rumblings of a Topuria versus Pimblett title fight signal a potentially significant turning point in the lightweight division’s landscape. With Topuria defending the belt after a dominant performance at UFC 317 and Pimblett climbing rapidly despite contention, a championship bout could attract considerable attention and resolve ongoing debates about supremacy in the division.
For Pimblett, the next fight will be crucial to justify his elevated ranking and prove he belongs among the elite contenders. Meanwhile, Topuria’s willingness to accept or reject the challenge will shape the division’s future matchups. As the UFC navigates this controversy and rivalry, fans remain divided but eager to see how this story unfolds, with implications for fighter legacies and the organization’s credibility in rankings.