Paddy Pimblett doesn’t have his subsequent opponent booked but, however he’s positive it’s going to be a significant title.
There are a handful of interesting choices for Pimblett, a well-liked light-weight contender sporting a 7-0 UFC document and a high 15 spot within the MMA Preventing World Rankings. “The Baddy” is coming off of a lopsided TKO win over Michael Chandler this previous April.
On the high of Pimblett’s hit record proper now are the undefeated Ilia Topuria, who fights Charles Oliveira for a vacant light-weight title in the principle occasion of UFC 317 on June 28, and one-time interim champion Justin Gaethje.
Pimblett has had an ongoing rivalry with Topuria and hopes “El Matador” calls his title ought to he beat Oliveira, however he appears to be like ahead to a matchup with the all the time thrilling Gaethje as nicely.
“I’m hoping to combat in Abu Dhabi in October. I believe that’s after I’m going to be again within the cage,” Pimblett instructed BBC Sport. “I used to be pondering Ilia may name me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I’d like to beat him if he will get the belt.
“I’d like to combat him anyway, however he’s booked, so I believe it’s greater than doubtless Justin Gaethje.”
The UFC has not formally introduced an October occasion in Abu Dhabi, however the promotion has held a pay-per-view present there throughout that month yearly since 2020.
Pimblett and Topuria have feuded for years each in individual and on social media, however a bout between the 2 didn’t make logistical sense within the UFC with Pimblett competing at 155 kilos and Topuria at 145 kilos. Nevertheless, with Topuria having vacated his featherweight title to chase light-weight gold, the rivals are instantly in nearer proximity.
Ought to Pimblett must combat one other contender to arrange a combat with Topuria, he’d a lot reasonably or not it’s Gaethje than Arman Tsarukyan, the No. 1 contender within the UFC’s official rankings.
“Nobody [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and folks truly wish to watch Gaethje combat,” Pimblett mentioned. “Folks comprehend it’ll be an thrilling combat, me versus Gaethje.
“Tsarukyan, he’s simply an absolute instrument, after which it’s me and Gaethje. One win away and I’ll be preventing for the belt. Yeah, that’s all the time been the intention. It’s the one intention that now we have.”
Tsarukyan was to problem then-lightweight champion Islam Makhachev for his title at UFC 311 this previous January, however a again damage pressured Tsarukyan out a day earlier than the occasion. UFC CEO Dana White mentioned Tsarukyan isn’t assured one other title shot, whereas Makhachev is transferring as much as welterweight to combat champion Jack Della Maddalena.
As for Pimblett, he’s planning to make a press release towards whoever he fights subsequent to persuade White to e book a present in his hometown of Liverpool, England, ideally on the residence of Liverpool F.C.
“It must be Anfield [stadium],” Pimblett mentioned. “That’s the one the one viable place to do it. And I do know Dana doesn’t like doing stadiums, he’s executed it in Australia, however Anfield is totally different. He wants to come back to Anfield on a Champions League evening or once we play Manchester United or one thing like that, and even the blue shirt [Everton].
“It is advisable come and watch since you’d be like, ‘Wow, that is unbelievable.’”
