Paddy Pimblett has once again stirred the pot in the UFC lightweight title conversation, delivering a mix of bold statements, playful insults, and candid admissions about his current position in the division. While the Liverpudlian fan-favourite remains hopeful for a clash with reigning champion Ilia Topuria, the path to making that fight a reality is far from straightforward.

The long-standing grudge between Pimblett and Topuria dates back to 2022, when the two were involved in a heated altercation in London. Since then, both fighters have climbed the ranks, but the lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most competitive landscapes. Currently ranked No. 9, Pimblett faces the challenge of leapfrogging higher-ranked contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan (No. 2) and Justin Gaethje (No. 5) to secure his dream matchup.

A Rivalry That Fans Want to See

Despite his ranking disadvantage, Pimblett believes the fight with Topuria would capture the imagination of MMA fans worldwide, particularly in the United States. Speaking on his YouTube channel, the 30-year-old made his intentions clear:

“Hopefully it’s gonna be me versus the chorizo next, and I think that’s what all the Americans want, because every American I bump into keeps saying: ‘When are you gonna smash that sausage’s head in?’”

The Liverpudlian’s comments referenced Topuria’s Spanish-Georgian heritage, adding another playful jab to a rivalry already fueled by years of verbal barbs. Pimblett admitted he understands other fighters may be more deserving based on rankings, but he was quick to take aim at Tsarukyan, whom he mocked as a “little rich boy” for offering Topuria an additional £1 million to secure the fight.

Shots Fired at Arman Tsarukyan

Pimblett did not hold back in his criticism of Tsarukyan, even revisiting the Armenian’s last-minute withdrawal from a title fight in January due to injury. According to Pimblett, that incident — which happened during a difficult weight cut — damaged Tsarukyan’s credibility.

“That’s why he quit when he was making weight in the bath like a little b***h. Arman’s irrelevant, no one cares about him.”

Tsarukyan’s withdrawal opened the door for then-champion Islam Makhachev to face Renato Moicano on short notice. Makhachev won that fight via submission before vacating the belt in May to pursue the welterweight title later this year.

Justin Gaethje’s Uncertain Role

While Gaethje is another possible opponent for Pimblett, the American has expressed reluctance to take the fight unless it comes with a title shot. Pimblett made it clear he respects Gaethje but feels frustrated by his unwillingness to entertain the matchup.

“I’ve got nothing but respect for Justin, but I keep seeing him in interviews saying he doesn’t want to fight me.”

Adding to the tension, Pimblett also aimed at Dan Hooker, claiming he had lost respect for the New Zealander after recent comments. For Pimblett, all roads lead back to Topuria — and he insists that’s the only fight worth making.

Topuria’s Meteoric Rise

Topuria’s current reign as lightweight champion began in June when he delivered a spectacular first-round knockout over former champion Charles Oliveira. That win came just months after he vacated his featherweight title in February to fully commit to lightweight gold.

The Spaniard-Georgian fighter has been on a tear, showcasing elite striking and unshakable confidence. His victory over Oliveira solidified him as one of the most dangerous fighters in the division and set up a range of tantalising potential matchups.

The Oliveira and Fiziev Factor

Originally, Pimblett was loosely linked to a bout with Oliveira, but those talks fizzled when the Brazilian was booked to face Rafael Fiziev in October. This development means Pimblett’s realistic options have narrowed to Topuria, Tsarukyan, or Gaethje — depending on how the UFC chooses to book the next title fight.

If Tsarukyan gets the nod, Pimblett may be left waiting, or he could be matched with Gaethje in a high-profile contender bout. However, if the UFC opts for the fan-favourite route, Pimblett could get his wish and step into the Octagon against Topuria sooner than expected.

Face-Off in Las Vegas

After Topuria’s victory over Oliveira in June, Pimblett entered the cage at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas to face off with the newly crowned champion. The staredown was brief but charged with tension, hinting at the potential spectacle their rivalry could produce. Notably, UFC president Dana White later stated he had no idea who authorised Pimblett’s cage entry — adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the situation.

Meanwhile, both Gaethje and Tsarukyan were in attendance that night, watching closely from the crowd. Their presence only heightened speculation about how the UFC will arrange the upcoming title picture.

A Division in Flux

The UFC lightweight division is in a rare state of transition. With former champions changing weight classes, rising contenders making noise, and outspoken personalities like Pimblett pushing for marquee fights, matchmakers face a unique challenge in balancing meritocracy with marketability.

For Pimblett, the equation is simple: he wants Topuria, he wants it soon, and he’s willing to turn up the verbal heat to make it happen. His unapologetic trash talk, combined with a growing fan base, makes him one of the most marketable fighters on the roster — and the UFC knows the commercial value of capitalising on his momentum.

What’s Next for Paddy The Baddy?

Whether or not Pimblett gets his desired title shot in the immediate future, his willingness to court controversy ensures his name stays in headlines. His dominance over Michael Chandler in April only added to his credibility, showing that beyond the bravado, he has the skills to compete with the division’s elite.

If the UFC decides to book Topuria vs Tsarukyan for the title, Pimblett could be matched against Gaethje or another top contender to further prove his worth. On the other hand, if Dana White and company choose spectacle over rankings, fans could be treated to one of the most personal and heated rivalries in recent UFC history — Paddy Pimblett vs Ilia Topuria.

For now, Pimblett is back in the gym, waiting for the call. Until then, fight fans can expect more verbal jabs, more memorable soundbites, and perhaps, just perhaps, the announcement of a fight that could electrify the entire lightweight division.

If the UFC plays its cards right, Paddy The Baddy’s next walk to the Octagon could be the most anticipated of his career — and whether he faces Topuria, Gaethje, or Tsarukyan, the build-up is sure to be as entertaining as the fight itself.