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Tag: Paddy Pimblett

  • Justin Gaethje’s Final Mission: ‘The End Is Near’ But He’s Chasing History at UFC 324

    Justin Gaethje’s Final Mission: ‘The End Is Near’ But He’s Chasing History at UFC 324

    Justin Gaethje admits what many fighters refuse to acknowledge—his career is in its twilight phase. But the 37-year-old isn’t ready to walk away. Instead, he’s chasing what he believes could be the most inspirational championship run in UFC history.

    Speaking with TNT Fight Sports ahead of his interim lightweight title clash against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 on January 24, Gaethje showed rare vulnerability about where he stands while simultaneously expressing unwavering hunger for one more title run.

    “I’m 37 years old. There’s no, you know, I’d be a fool to think that we’re just getting started here. The end is near,” Gaethje admitted.

    Despite acknowledging father time, “The Highlight” made clear his competitive fire hasn’t diminished. When asked whether he still has hunger for the interim title, Gaethje described fighting as an addiction he simply cannot escape.

    “Every single one of these is a traumatic life experience. There’s no matching the high or the low of winning or losing this sport. It kind of ruined other parts of life, but no, I am so hungry. I’ve never felt more alive than when I feel it. I will miss it when it’s gone,” Gaethje explained.

    All-or-Nothing Philosophy

    Gaethje has a signature phrase that captures his fighting philosophy better than any pre-fight hype. Asked if he’s already thinking about a potential Ilia Topuria fight after Pimblett, his answer was vintage Gaethje.

    “I’ve said it before. I don’t ever plan on being alive after the fight. So, if that’s how it ends, that’s how it ends,” Gaethje said.

    The former BMF champion enters every bout with total commitment, refusing to look past opponents or plan for what comes next. His complete focus remains on the task at hand, but he’s well aware that Topuria has been publicly offering advice to Pimblett, suggesting the champion would rather face the Liverpool star than “The Highlight.”

    “Yeah. I’m gonna Khabib and Ferguson this thing,” Gaethje said, referencing one of MMA’s most infamous cursed matchups—a fight scheduled and cancelled five times before Gaethje stepped in to replace Ferguson at UFC 249.

    Chasing the Most Inspirational Run in UFC History

    Gaethje believes a championship run at 37 years old would cement his legacy as one of the most inspirational stories in UFC history. He outlined his dream scenario with characteristic passion.

    “I just love the challenge. I love the opportunity to inspire people. If I can go out there, beat Paddy, beat Ilia, it’ll be the most inspirational thing that I think this sport has ever seen. I’m trying to do that for countless people. That’s my goal,” Gaethje said.

    His resume speaks for itself—he’s headlined nine or ten UFC events and fought top-five opponents in nearly every Octagon appearance. Now headlining the first numbered card on Paramount+, he sees an opportunity to cap his career with the ultimate achievement.

    “There’s a reason I’m still here is because I’m one of the best in the world. If they could have got rid of me, they would have got rid of me. But I continue to prove I’m one of the best,” Gaethje said.

    Looking beyond Pimblett, Gaethje revealed his ultimate dream matchup. He’s hoping Max Holloway defeats Charles Oliveira in their BMF title fight, setting up an incredible opportunity.

    “I hope Max wins. I hope he goes up and then I can fight Max on the White House card and take the BMF belt and the championship,” Gaethje said.

    When asked what fight he’d most like to see happen in 2026, Gaethje didn’t hesitate.

    “I would say myself versus Ilia Topuria on the White House card,” Gaethje concluded.

    Gaethje has twice fallen short in undisputed title fights, losing to Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira by submission. A win over Pimblett would position him for one final championship run against Topuria—and potentially the historic ending his career deserves.

  • Ilia Topuria Teasing Spring Return Against Winner Of Justin Gaethje Vs. Paddy Pimblett

    Ilia Topuria Teasing Spring Return Against Winner Of Justin Gaethje Vs. Paddy Pimblett

    A warning message to Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett: Ilia Topuria is watching.

    Topuria’s fighting career was left uncertain late last year when he announced that he would be stepping away indefinitely due to personal matters. The UFC lightweight champion has been dealing with a harsh custody battle involving his ex-wife.

    The champ’s unavailability led to the UFC’s decision, as revealed on Thanksgiving, to book Gaethje vs. Pimblett in an interim title fight to serve as the main event of UFC 324. But it doesn’t seem like the winner will have to wait long before unifying with “El Matador.”

    In a reply to fan questions on X, Topuria said he is aiming for a spring bout with whoever comes away with the interim gold.

    Ilia Topuria Aiming For Undisputed Title Fight In Spring

    The opponent he’s aiming for comes at a time where Arman Tsarukyan has recently spoken out on The Ariel Helwani Show about not receiving a lightweight title opportunity. Tsarukyan claims the UFC wants Pimblett to be a champion and teased the idea of either dropping to featherweight or going for the BMF belt.

    UFC CEO and President Dana White recently told Complex that Tsarukyan needs to work his way back to a title shot, citing the controversial headbutt in his staredown with Dan Hooker and pulling out of a title fight with Islam Makhachev with one day to go before UFC 311 at this time last year.

    Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 last year to win the UFC lightweight championship, which was vacated after Makhachev moved up from lightweight to welterweight.

    Topuria had been featherweight champion in 2024, winning the belt by finishing Alexander Volkanovski before retaining with a knockout of Max Holloway.

    UFC 324 takes place on January 24 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It will be the UFC’s first event as part of its lucrative deal with Paramount.

  • Justin Gaethje Plans to Test Paddy Pimblett’s Knockout Resistance at UFC 324

    Justin Gaethje Plans to Test Paddy Pimblett’s Knockout Resistance at UFC 324

    Justin Gaethje has a straightforward response to Paddy Pimblett’s claim that “Scousers don’t get knocked out”—he’s going to test that theory at UFC 324.

    Speaking with TNT Fight Sports ahead of their interim lightweight title fight on January 24, Gaethje laid out his game plan against the rising Liverpool star while acknowledging the challenges Pimblett presents.

    “We’ll see. We’ll see. I would try to test that theory,” Gaethje said when asked about Pimblett’s Liverpool toughness claims.

    The former interim champion identified what makes Pimblett dangerous while expressing confidence in his superior striking arsenal. Gaethje knows he needs to solve the puzzle early.

    “His aggression and funkiness is something that I’m going to have to figure out. And it’s going to have to figure out early,” Gaethje explained.

    While Gaethje plans to keep the fight standing where his power advantage is most pronounced, he made clear the grappling exchanges don’t scare him. The loss to Charles Oliveira by submission forced a significant training shift.

    “I’m not scared to go there. I’m not going to go out there and look to engage in wrestling or grappling because I think my skills on the feet are obviously better than his,” Gaethje said. “Ever since Charles Oliveira took me out, I’ve been grappling my ass off.”

    Gaethje also pointed to his takedown defense statistics as evidence of his wrestling credentials. As for Pimblett’s fight week antics, the 37-year-old veteran isn’t interested in participating.

    “It doesn’t involve me, so I won’t be part of that. Home relaxed, cutting weight, eating good food, and mentally preparing for war,” Gaethje said about handling the Liverpool fighter’s pre-fight showmanship.

  • Paddy Pimblett Predicts Early Finish of Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

    Paddy Pimblett Predicts Early Finish of Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

    Paddy Pimblett is confident he will stop Justin Gaethje inside three rounds when the two meet for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 on January 24.

    Speaking with TNT Sports ahead of the bout, Pimblett revealed his game plan involves standing and trading with one of the most dangerous strikers in the division. Despite Gaethje’s reputation for devastating power, “The Baddy” isn’t planning to rely solely on his grappling credentials.

    “I’ll keep it on the feet with him,” Pimblett said. “There’s the blueprint there to beat him. Max done it.”

    Pimblett pointed to his performance against Michael Chandler as evidence that his striking has been underestimated. The Liverpool native believes he can outwork Gaethje on the feet while implementing a strategic approach that leads to an early stoppage.

    “Everyone underestimates my strike and everyone thinks I’m just going to come in and I’m going to take him down,” Pimblett explained. “I had an absolute war with Chandler and I pieced Chandler up. You’ll see come January 24th when we have a perfect game plan and we finish him within three.”

    The 30-year-old also addressed concerns about Gaethje’s ability to defend takedowns, suggesting his unorthodox style will pose problems regardless of where the fight takes place.

    “I don’t wrestle like a normal person. I do everything differently. I’m not normal,” Pimblett said. “He’s not going to be able to get a sparring partner in what grapples like me or strikes like me because I’m a weirdo. I’m very awkward. You can’t really get a sparring partner in to do me because I’m so awkward.”

    Despite the confidence, Pimblett remains a fan of Gaethje and expressed genuine respect for the former interim champion’s legacy in the sport.

    “I am a Justin Gaethje fan. Not was, I am,” Pimblett said. “Anyone who is an MMA fan and isn’t a Justin Gaethje fan isn’t an MMA fan. He’s your favorite fighter’s favorite fighter. The fact that I’m now getting in there against him is what dreams are made of.”

  • Paddy Pimblett SNAPS at Ilia Topuria: “He’s so fake”

    Paddy Pimblett SNAPS at Ilia Topuria: “He’s so fake”

    UFC star Paddy Pimblett has once again lashed out at UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria as rumors continue to circulate regarding a fight between the two.

    For the longest time now, Paddy Pimblett has not been a big fan of Ilia Topuria – and you’d best believe that the feeling is mutual. ‘The Baddy’ is one of the most interesting fighters in the recent history of the promotion and that much goes without saying, but in terms of overall success, Topuria is head and shoulders above the Liverpudlian as a result of the two world titles he’s captured in the UFC.

    Alas, following his win over Michael Chandler, many believed that Paddy Pimblett deserved to be the next challenger for Ilia Topuria. Alas, Justin Gaethje also seems to be in the running to get the call, but there’s been no official confirmation from the UFC either way. Whatever happens, it definitely feels like Topuria will serve as the headliner for UFC’s first big Paramount show in the new year.

    In a recent interview, Pimblett once again poked fun at Topuria as the feud continues to gather momentum.

    Paddy Pimblett hits out at Ilia Topuria

    “No one would know Ilia Topuria if it wasn’t for me. He made himself famous off the back of my name…

    “He’s so fake, like half of his followers. It’s been proven half his followers on Instagram are bots. He’s just a McGregor copycat and I’m getting sick of him.

    “He’s a German. He’s not even Spanish, he’s not even Georgian. He was born in Germany, he’s German.”

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett to Be the First UFC Event of 2026 According to Training Partner

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett to Be the First UFC Event of 2026 According to Training Partner

    UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria appears set to defend his title against Paddy Pimblett in January 2026, according to Shem Rock, a training partner of the Liverpool contender who spoke recently about the potential matchup.​

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett in 2026

    ​Rock, who trains alongside Pimblett at Next Generation Liverpool, offered insight into his teammate’s preparation and the likelihood of the bout materializing. The newly-signed UFC fighter shared his perspective on what would mark the first UFC event of 2026 and the inaugural numbered card under the promotion’s new Paramount broadcast deal. Speaking to Kyle Diamond of Bloody Elbow, Shem Rock explained:

    ​”What I think and what’s really happening might be two different things, but to me, Paddy versus Ilia makes sense,” Rock said. “He’s a big star; Ilia’s a big star. First pay-per-view of the year should be that. And look — Paddy’s training twice a week sparring, twice a week lifting, every week getting massages. He’s not doing that for fun. He’s training for a reason.”

    ​The matchup has gained momentum following reports that the UFC originally planned to grant Justin Gaethje the next lightweight title shot. However, multiple sources indicate the promotion pivoted to Topuria-Pimblett to maximize viewership for their first Paramount event, a fight expected to capture more attention given the heated history between the two fighters.

    ​Topuria captured the vacant UFC lightweight championship in June at UFC 317 with a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira. The Georgian-Spanish fighter, who holds a perfect 17-0 record, became just the tenth fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes after previously reigning as featherweight champion. Following his victory, Topuria immediately called out Pimblett, leading to a confrontation inside the octagon where the champion shoved his rival and the two exchanged heated words.

    ​Pimblett has positioned himself for a title shot after dominating Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, securing a third-round technical knockout that extended his UFC record to 7-0. The Liverpool fighter climbed to number 10 in the lightweight rankings following the victory and has been vocal about wanting to face Topuria next.

    ​The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to March 2022, when they clashed physically at the fighters’ hotel during a UFC event in London. The confrontation stemmed from a social media post by Pimblett in early 2021 that referenced the 2008 Russian invasion of Georgia, which Topuria found deeply offensive as several people he knew had died in the conflict. During the London altercation, Pimblett threw a hand sanitizer bottle at Topuria, who retaliated before being restrained by his team.

    ​Since then, the animosity has remained constant across social media and UFC events. The two fighters were placed on the same card again at UFC 282 in December 2022, where tensions nearly boiled over at the pre-fight press conference. Security intervened to prevent another physical confrontation as Topuria attempted to approach Pimblett during the media obligations.

    UFC 324 on Paramount

    ​UFC president Dana White has indicated that Topuria is a possibility to headline the first major UFC card on Paramount in January 2026. The promotion signed a broadcast rights deal with Paramount worth $7.7 billion over seven years, set to begin on January 1, 2026. While White has not officially confirmed the matchup, he told reporters after the Contender Series that matchmaking for the inaugural Paramount card began in mid-October.

    ​The fight would likely take place at UFC 324 in Los Angeles on January 10, though the UFC has not made an official announcement. Topuria addressed the possibility during a press conference in Georgia, describing his participation in the January card as “very possible.” When asked about potential opponents, he left little doubt about his preference for facing Pimblett, citing their history and the demand from fans.

    ​Gaethje’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has maintained that his client deserves the title shot based on his ranking and experience in the division. However, the UFC appears to have prioritized the more marketable and combustible matchup between Topuria and Pimblett for the high-profile Paramount debut.

    ​Pimblett has publicly stated he believes the fight will happen soon, recently suggesting on social media that he has already signed his contract while claiming Topuria has not yet done so. The Liverpool fighter has been open about his training focus, acknowledging that his striking timing needs improvement if he faces Topuria but expressing confidence in his grappling abilities.

    ​Rock’s comments about Pimblett’s consistent training regimen align with the fighter’s known dedication during camp periods. Despite gaining significant weight between fights, Pimblett has successfully made the 155-pound lightweight limit for all his UFC appearances, including a documented 40-pound cut for UFC 314.

    As the first numbered event under the new Paramount deal, UFC 324 represents a critical moment for the promotion to establish its partnership with a new broadcast platform. The organization appears to be banking on Topuria and Pimblett’s star power and genuine animosity to deliver a memorable main event that sets the tone for future Paramount cards.

    ​Topuria enters as the favorite based on his status as the reigning champion and number one pound-for-pound fighter. His rise through two divisions has been marked by dominant victories over elite competition, including knockouts of Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Oliveira. This bout would mark only his second fight at lightweight, but the 28-year-old has already proven he belongs among the division’s best.

    ​Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC since joining from Cage Warriors over four years ago, building a reputation for dramatic finishes and pre-fight entertainment. While bookmakers and analysts are expected to install him as a significant underdog, the British fighter has consistently exceeded expectations and remains confident he can shock the world.

    ​As Rock observed from his position training alongside Pimblett at Next Generation Liverpool, the signs point to a fight happening sooner rather than later. Whether the matchup receives official confirmation in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but the pieces appear to be falling into place for one of the most anticipated grudge matches in recent UFC history.

    UFC
    Photo By Tim Wheaton
  • Paddy Pimblett is the One to Beat Ilia Topuria, Says Former UFC Title Contender

    Paddy Pimblett is the One to Beat Ilia Topuria, Says Former UFC Title Contender

    Former UFC fighter Darren Till believes that fellow Liverpudlian Paddy Pimblett could be the man to defeat Ilia Topuria.

    For a while now, Paddy Pimblett has been on the rise in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He’s rubbed a lot of people the wrong way in that time but in equal measure, he’s also proven himself to be a top star in the lightweight division – and in doing so, he’s proven a whole lot of critics wrong.

    One of the most notable things about Paddy Pimblett’s UFC run thus far has been his feud with Ilia Topuria. Following their recent face-off in the cage, some have questioned whether or not the UFC will book that fight next.

    In a recent interview with Compare.bet, Darren Till gave his thoughts on how Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett could go.

    Darren Till believes Paddy Pimblett could beat Ilia Topuria

    “Paddy has probably got the best chance to beat Ilia, and I know it sounds ridiculous because I don’t think Paddy’s on his level in terms of skillset yet–he will get there.

    “But I just think Paddy with his coaches and the way they strategise, and how big he is, and how sort of loose he is–I think Paddy has a great chance of beating Ilia Topuria.

    “A lot of people will be against that opinion, but I’ve said this for years about Paddy, people like to give Paddy shit, but he can fight. He’s got a solid team around and he obviously works hard because of the shape he gets in.

    “Whether you love or hate Paddy, and he’s not a close friend by any sense of it, but you have to give Paddy props. I know his opponents are questionable and the loss and stuff, but you can only fight who is in front of you.

    “And people will say ‘he’s getting built’ – of course he’s getting built – like me. Because we speak, we talk the talk, why wouldn’t you build Paddy? Stop being a hater.”

    Quotes via Compare.bet

  • Paddy Pimblett May Get Free Training From World Champ Boxer to Beat Ilia Topuria

    Paddy Pimblett May Get Free Training From World Champ Boxer to Beat Ilia Topuria

    Former boxing world champion Amir Khan has offered to train Paddy Pimblett ahead of a potential title fight against Ilia Topuria.

    As we know, Paddy Pimblett is easily one of the biggest stars in mixed martial arts today. Whether you love him or hate him, nobody can deny that he’s done an incredible job of promoting himself – and he’s also worked incredibly hard to get better in the cage.

    After his recent win over Michael Chandler, Paddy Pimblett was considered to be a top contender at lightweight. Now, after his long-time rival Ilia Topuria won the belt, it seems as if the UFC is interested in pushing that as the next big title fight at 155 pounds. The two even shared the octagon together following Topuria’s triumph over Charles Oliveira.

    In a recent interview courtesy of Genting live casinos, the aforementioned Amir Khan noted that he’d be willing to help Paddy Pimblett improve his boxing ahead of a possible striking battle with Topuria.

    Amir Khan offers to train Paddy Pimblett

    “100% I’d like to offer Paddy Pimblett some boxing advice. I live in Dubai. I know he comes to Dubai here and there, if he ever needs any advice on the boxing aside, definitely, we’ll do some pad work with him, help him out on that as well. Show him some stuff.

    “I like doing stuff like that, it’s all about helping and being there, helping each other and that makes me happy, when I know that I’ve gone and helped someone, especially in a fighting sport, because they’ve got a life on the line.

    “They’re putting their life on the line and if you are there to help them in such a big fight like that, yeah, it would make me happy. It makes me happy, and I’ll do that for free as well.”

    Quotes via Genting

  • Paddy Pimblett’s future: Max Holloway gives his thoughts on The Baddy possibly getting UFC title shot

    UFC star Max Holloway has given his thoughts on Paddy Pimblett‘s chances if he is able to land a UFC title shot against Ilia Topuria.

    As we know, Paddy Pimblett is one of the biggest names in mixed martial arts today. While a lot of people have often doubted his ability, the Liverpudlian’s dominant win over Michael Chandler made everyone realize that he is, in fact, the real deal. Now, the only question is this: will he jump the line and be thrust into a blockbuster title shot against rival Ilia Topuria?

    It’s certainly possible, and it’s definitely what Paddy Pimblett wants. He believes that he has the answers necessary to put an end to the rise of ‘El Matador’ and while some will disagree with that assessment, ‘The Baddy’ has shown remarkable improvements throughout the course of his UFC tenure thus far.

    In a recent interview, Max Holloway was asked about Paddy Pimblett and how that fight could play out.

    Max Holloway’s view on Paddy Pimblett

    “It’s MMA. It’s mixed martial arts. Anybody can win,” Holloway said. “Everybody can say we saw Paddy get cracked. I saw myself get cracked a bunch of times and when Ilia hit me, we saw what we saw. At the end of the day, it’s mixed martial arts. I think Paddy and their team will prepare right for that fight. I think they’ll have a game plan and he’s no slouch.

    “A lot of people thought Paddy was this guy who just talks and runs his mouth and then he got to prove himself against a guy like [Michael] Chandler. He’s not a wrestler but he out-wrestled the wrestler, which was pretty crazy to see.”

    “He’s super good,” Holloway said about Pimblett. “This is mixed martial arts. It’s what’s going on that day and whoever can apply their game plan that they’ve been doing, you never know.”

    Quotes via MMA Fighting

  • Behind the Gloves: Paddy Pimblett Explains Why Hollywood Gets Fighting All Wrong

    UFC star Paddy Pimblett has explained why he doesn’t tend to be a big fan of Hollywood movies about combat sports.

    Throughout the course of his career, Paddy Pimblett has done a great job of building up his star power and general name value. He is one of the most valuable assets that the Ultimate Fighting Championship has at its disposal right now, and there’s a very real chance that he’ll soon be competing against Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title.

    Of course, while he may be quite marketable, Paddy Pimblett rarely holds back from voicing his thoughts on the world. ‘The Baddy’ has no filter whatsoever and whether you love him or you hate him, one thing is for sure – you’re always going to get an honest opinion out of him.

    So, when Paddy Pimblett was asked about his favourite fighting-based Hollywood movies, he certainly didn’t mince his words.

    Paddy Pimblett discusses Hollywood fighting movies

    “Most fighting movies are s***, aren’t they? You know what I mean? Most of them are s***. But you’d probably have to say The Fighter, ’cause it’s not realistic, but a little bit. And I’ll probably use a boxing one like Raging Bull, Million Dollar Baby, you know what I mean? Stuff like that. I wouldn’t use Rocky.”

    For Paddy Pimblett, it doesn’t seem like Hollywood is going to be on the cards for him. Still, if the right offer came in, you’d have to think he’d at least consider it – especially if he wins the strap.

  • MMA Legend Backs Arman Tsarukyan As ‘Rightful’ Next Challenger For Ilia Topuria

    MMA Legend Backs Arman Tsarukyan As ‘Rightful’ Next Challenger For Ilia Topuria

    Arman Tsarukyan, not Paddy Pimblett, deserves the next shot at Ilia Topuria — or so says one MMA legend urging the UFC to honor the rankings.

    Following Islam Makhachev’s decision to vacate the lightweight title and move up to welterweight, Topuria claimed the vacant throne with a brutal knockout of former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

    Following his emphatic victory, “El Matador” shared a fiery face-off with Pimblett inside the Octagon. Since then, “The Baddy” has seemingly jumped ahead of leading contenders like Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje in the race to challenge Topuria for his first title defense, largely because it’s the matchup many fans want to see next, even though the UFC has yet to make anything official.

    However, former UFC and ONE champion Demetrious Johnson isn’t sold on that matchup. Instead, the MMA legend throws his weight behind “Ahalkalakets” and believes Tsarukyan should be the one fighting for the 155-pound title next.

    Demetrious Johnson Says Arman Tsarukyan More Worthy Of Title Shot Over Paddy Pimblett

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Demetrious Johnson weighed in on the evolving UFC lightweight title picture following Ilia Topuria’s championship win. While he acknowledged that a showdown between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett might generate more revenue and fan interest, “Mighty Mouse” emphasized that the UFC should stick to merit-based matchmaking.

    Johnson argued that Arman Tsarukyan, who holds a significantly higher ranking than “The Baddy”, is the deserving challenger for the next title shot.

    “It needs to be him, Arman Tsarukyan,” Johnson said. “This is why I say [UFC] it’s a reality TV show. It’s like, obviously Arman Tsarukyan is the number one contender. He’s ranked number one… Whatever you guys wanna go by the rankings, but they’re force in this fight with Paddy Pimblett versus Ilia Topuria just because it’s probably gonna sell more. But I think the rightful person who should be getting the next title shot at lightweight is Arman Tsarukyan.”

    “Ahalkalakets” last competed at UFC 300 in April 2024, where he earned a hard-fought split decision victory over Charles Oliveira. The win secured Tsarukyan a title shot against then-lightweight king Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 in January. However, the 28-year-old Armenian was forced to withdraw just hours before the weigh-ins due to an undisclosed health scare.

    Tsarukyan served as the backup fighter for UFC 317, successfully making weight in case he was needed. Since then, he’s publicly called out Topuria for a title opportunity. However, despite his readiness, UFC CEO Dana White has yet to confirm him as the next challenger.

    Image: @arm_011/Instagram

  • Paddy Pimblett Fires Back at Ilia Topuria: “He Doesn’t Respect Me – But I’d Kick Him Everywhere!”

    Paddy Pimblett Fires Back at Ilia Topuria: “He Doesn’t Respect Me – But I’d Kick Him Everywhere!”

    Paddy Pimblett respects Ilia Topuria as a fighter, but that’s where the buck stops.

    ‘The Baddy’ created another viral moment at UFC 317, stepping inside the Octagon immediately following Topuria’s spectacular first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira, and going face-to-face with the newly minted lightweight world champion. After sharing a few unsavory words, Topuria shoved Pimblett, eliciting a laugh from the Liverpudlian.

    The incident immediately got the world talking about a potential clash between the two, with oddsmakers already favoring ‘El Matador’ to come out on top by a margin of 5-to-1.

    Considering how impressive Topuria has looked in his last three outings, KO’ing Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway and ‘Do Bronx’ in back-to-back bouts, the -500 odds are by no means surprising, but Pimblett believes that the lack of respect Topuria has for his skill set could end up being the Georgian’s downfall.

    “He’s a very good all-round fighter—I respect him as a fighter, and he doesn’t respect me,” Pimblett said during an appearance on Verse Us with Eric Nicksick. “I genuinely think if he fought me, he wouldn’t train as hard. He just thinks he’d beat me. But I’d kick him everywhere”

    Of course, all this talk about Topuria vs. Pimblett may be for nought.

    Will Paddy Pimblett Have to Make a Highlight Out of ‘The Highlight’ Before Getting to Ilia Topuria?

    Shortly after their faceoff inside the Octagon, UFC CEO Dana White expressed frustration over the incident, suggesting that Pimblett has some more work to do before earning a shot at the 155-pound crown.

    Interestingly, reigning middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis was caught on camera claiming that Pimblett would co-headline UFC 319 in August, facing Justin Gaethje in what would likely be a lightweight title eliminator. Pimblett recently shot down the rumor on X, but it’s possible that the Scouser could be trying to deflect after ‘DDP’ let the cat out of the bag a little to early.

    Only time will tell which is the case.

  • UFC Commentator Crowns Paddy Pimblett: ‘Best Trash Talker in MMA Today’

    For Jon Anik’s money, there’s no better trash-talker in the fight game today than Paddy Pimblett.

    Since making his promotional debut in 2021, ‘The Baddy’ has become a bona fide star inside the Octagon. Aside from a solic 7-0 record under the UFC banner, Pimblett has grown a massive fan following courtesy of his brash attitude and unwavering confidence.

    Many, including Anik, have even likened the Liverpudlian’s skills on the mic to former champ-champ Conor McGregor, noting how, like ‘The Notorious,’ Pimblett always shoots from the hip.

    “Paddy Pimblett’s a master orator, right? And not unlike Conor McGregor, nothing that Paddy says is scripted,” Anik told MMA Junkie. “And I think that’s a big part of it for me. I love Chael Sonnen—he’s one of the best orators I’ve ever been around, but some of his material was scripted. Paddy Pimblett, they just shoot straight from the hip.

    “But right now, if you’re asking me, the best trash talker in mixed martial arts today is Paddy Pimblett. And I think the Scouser accent is part of the equation. I gotta go. Love you. Thanks. Thanks.”

    Is Paddy Pimblett Ready for the Big Show?

    Pimblett’s star power reached another all-time high last month when he famously stepped into the Octagon immediately following Ilia Topuria’s stunning first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.

    With years of animosity brewing, Pimblett and Topuria exchanged some NSFW words before a shoving match erupted between the two top stars.

    The incident immediately had fight fans salivating, calling for the UFC to immediately book their long-awaited clash. Unfortunately, Dana White wasn’t exactly thrilled with the encounter, suggesting that the promotion may already have other plans for Pimblett.

  • ‘I’ll Do Whatever I Want’: Ilia Topuria Dismisses Paddy Pimblett As Easy Work

    ‘I’ll Do Whatever I Want’: Ilia Topuria Dismisses Paddy Pimblett As Easy Work

    Ilia Topuria appears to view a potential clash with Paddy Pimblett as an effortless task.

    “El Matador” delivered a stunning first-round knockout of former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira to capture the vacant 155-pound belt in the main event of UFC 317 last weekend, firmly establishing himself as a two-division titleholder.

    Shortly after his dominant win, Topuria came face-to-face with Pimblett inside the Octagon, setting off a fiery exchange. Now, “The Baddy” appears to have surged ahead of contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje as the leading candidate to challenge the new champion in his first title defense.

    The potential title matchup carries added intrigue, as Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett share a long-standing history of bad blood dating back to March 2022. The tension between the two first boiled over in a heated altercation at the fighter hotel ahead of UFC London, where they nearly came to blows.

    What began as a verbal spat soon escalated into a heated rivalry, with both fighters consistently trading barbs in interviews and across social media platforms.

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Is the Biggest Fight UFC Can Make Right Now Says Former UFC Champ
    Image: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

    Ilia Topuria Claims He Can Finish Paddy Pimblett Any Way He Wants

    In his last three outings, Ilia Topuria backed up his words with action, confidently predicting knockouts and following through with clinical precision inside the Octagon. Now, riding high on that streak of precision, “El Matador” has turned his attention to a potential clash with Paddy Pimblett. Speaking to TMZSports in a recent interview, the newly minted UFC lightweight champion made it clear that if the fight happens, the outcome will once again be on his terms.

    All the fans around the world, I think that they want to see that [Pimblett] fight,” Ilia Topuria said. “And at the same time, I have to be honest—I think it’s one of the easiest fights that I could have in the lightweight division, because I can do with him whatever I want to do, in reality. It’s a very exciting fight for the fans, where I’m going to enjoy the whole process a lot. And at the same time, it’s a fight where I’m going to be able to shine once again.”

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Is the Biggest Fight UFC Can Make Right Now Says Former UFC Champ

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett Is the Biggest Fight UFC Can Make Right Now Says Former UFC Champ

    A former UFC champion believes no matchup today carries more weight than a potential showdown between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.

    Last weekend in the main event of UFC 317, Topuria made his dream a reality, stopping former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira with a brutal first-round knockout to capture the vacant 155-pound title and cement his status as a two-division UFC champion.

    Immediately after his emphatic victory, “El Matador” came face-to-face with Pimblett in a tense staredown inside the Octagon that quickly escalated into a heated exchange. The newly crowned champion punctuated the moment by shoving the Brit, adding fuel to what now seems like an unavoidable showdown in the making.

    Topuria and Pimblett’s rivalry traces back to March 2022, when the two nearly came to blows in a heated altercation at the fighter hotel ahead of UFC London. What began as bad blood quickly escalated into full-blown animosity, with tensions flaring again during a near brawl at the UFC 282 pre-fight press conference.

    Since then, both men have repeatedly taken shots at each other in interviews and on social media, keeping the feud very much alive. Now, with Ilia Topuria reigning as the new lightweight king, a long-awaited clash with “The Baddy” could be next on the horizon.

    Image: @ufc/X

    Michael Bisping Sees Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett As UFC’s Hottest Potential Matchup

    During a recent video on his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping shared his thoughts on who should be Ilia Topuria’s first title challenger. While the UFC Hall of Famer acknowledged that elite contenders like Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje are waiting in the wings, he argued that the promotion would be wise to cash in on the long-standing rivalry between Topuria and Paddy Pimblett.

    “The biggest fight they can put on right now, outside of Islam, is Ilia Topuria versus Paddy Pimblett,” Bisping said. “Saturday night, when they showed all the celebrities, when they showed the fighters in the crowd, Paddy Pimblett got the biggest pop by far… He resonates with the younger crowd and with everyone, because when they showed him on camera, the place went mental! He just beat Michael Chandler, he’s undefeated in the UFC, he’s got the history with Ilia—and that’s the fight they’ve got to make.”

    Bisping went on to explain that the deep-rooted animosity between Topuria and Pimblett adds a layer of intrigue and marketability.

    “We saw Ilia lose his cool for just a second—he pushed Paddy, allowed Paddy to get into his head. He had the two belts on his shoulder, gave him the push, the belts almost fell off his shoulders… It just shows Paddy’s ability to get under people’s skin. That fight sells itself—two people who genuinely dislike each other. You don’t really get that. We haven’t seen that since Khabib [Nurmagomedov] and [Conor] McGregor—two people who actually hate each other.”

  • Ilia Topuria’s Dream Booking: “Paddy Smokes Gaethje, Then Fights Me for the Belt”

    Ilia Topuria’s Dream Booking: “Paddy Smokes Gaethje, Then Fights Me for the Belt”

    UFC star Ilia Topuria has once again reiterated his desire to square off with rival Paddy Pimblett at some point in the future.

    On Saturday night, Ilia Topuria will battle Charles Oliveira for the right to become UFC lightweight champion. While there’s a good chance that Oliveira can surprise many and win the gold, a lot of fans and pundits believe that ‘El Matador’ will get the job done. The man himself is so confident, in fact, that he’s already starting to plan for the future.

    One man who we know he doesn’t particularly like is Paddy Pimblett. The two have gone back and forth at one another for years now and if the stars align, Ilia Topuria vs ‘The Baddy’ could quickly become one of the biggest fights in UFC history – and no, that’s not an exaggeration.

    In a recent interview, Ilia Topuria doubled down on wanting to battle Pimblett, suggesting that he needs to face Justin Gaethje next.

    Ilia Topuria wants Paddy Pimblett fight

    ”He’s one fight away from a title shot. He needs actually that fight because it’s going to be even better for our fight if he gets one more win. Then we’re going to have, I think, the biggest fight in the UFC right now at the moment.

    ”Yeah, him versus Justin Gaethje. I think he’s going to beat him easily. Because of the style, it’s not like I don’t like Justin, I’m actually a huge fan of all of his fights. I enjoy a lot watching him fight. He’s those guys that takes a lot of punches and throws a lot of punches, I love to watch him fight, but I think that Paddy could get that win easily because of the style.”

  • Paddy Pimblett’s Future: Michael Chandler Says He Could Be a UFC Champ: “Not Excellent Anywhere – But Good Everywhere”

    Paddy Pimblett’s Future: Michael Chandler Says He Could Be a UFC Champ: “Not Excellent Anywhere – But Good Everywhere”

    UFC star Michael Chandler believes that former rival Paddy Pimblett has the potential to become a UFC world champion one day.

    As we know, back at UFC 314, Paddy Pimblett was able to dominate and finish Michael Chandler in their lightweight encounter. While Chandler has had some great moments inside the cage since joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship, this certainly wasn’t one of them.

    Paddy Pimblett announced to the world that he had arrived and he did so in style. There are still many doubters out there who want to try and put him down, but ‘The Baddy’ refuses to go quietly into the night.

    In a recent interview, Michael Chandler gave his thoughts on Paddy Pimblett’s abilities and his future.

    Michael Chandler backs Paddy Pimblett for big things

    ”Definitely, possibly. I mean, I think he’s better than a lot of us gave him credit for, you know, being in there with him. I wouldn’t say that he’s got this crazy amount of skills or this crazy amount of power. He’s crazy good in any direction, but he’s not excellent anywhere, but he’s good pretty much everywhere. 

    “He’s got a long body, he uses that range, he uses his kicks really well. You know, whether it was me having a bad night or him having a great night, or that is just who he is, it was tough to kind of get the distance, and by the time I got the distance, took the knee, and then that’s fighting for you. You know, we go out there, we lay it on the line, and sometimes bad things happen.”

  • Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett: Former UFC Champ Says Fight Is Inevitable ‘Trash Talk, Big Money, and No Love Lost’

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett: Former UFC Champ Says Fight Is Inevitable ‘Trash Talk, Big Money, and No Love Lost’

    The UFC rumor mill is spinning, and this time, it’s all about Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett. Former UFC champ Michael Bisping has weighed in, and according to him, this fight is less a question of “if” and more a matter of ‘when.’

    Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett – Soon

    Ilia Topuria, who’s set to face Charles Oliveira next week for the vacant lightweight UFC title, is already looking past the Brazilian and aiming his verbal jabs at the UK-born Paddy Pimblett. As Bisping put it, “Ilia’s going to fight Charles Oliveira next week for the vacant title, and he’s already got his sights on Paddy Pimblett next, because he is a pain in the ass, he is a prick, he does not like him one little bit.”

    The feeling seems mutual. Pimblett has been stirring the pot, calling Topuria “hand sanitizer boy,” tossing water bottles, and generally doing his best to get under Topuria’s skin. And it’s working, Topuria wants to “shut him off” in the Octagon. Bisping, never one to mince words, summed up the UFC’s unique charm: “If people talk, we literally have a forum. You are literally paid life-changing money to go out there and beat the hell out of the guy that is talking crap about you, that is winding you up, that is annoying you to the max.”

    Of course, confidence isn’t in short supply on either side. Topuria has made a habit of changing his social media bio to reflect his next conquest, calling out Islam Makhachev, promising to knock out Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski, and then actually doing it. “But if, by one person’s standard, that makes you cocky, arrogant, a pain in the ass, when you’re doing the same thing, sure, granted he’s backed it up every single time. To be fair, so has Paddy Pimblett,” Bisping noted.

    Paddy Pimblett Responds To Critics Of His Off-Season Look
    Image: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

    Looking ahead, Bisping dismissed the idea that fighters can’t look past their next opponent. “Yes you can if you’re confident. Yes you can if you believe in yourself. Yes you can if you firmly believe that you’re going to go out there and just walk through Oliveira, become the champion of the world. Then, of course, you’re going to look forward and think, ‘Who am I going to fight next? Who is the biggest matchup for me?’” With Islam Makhachev likely tied up with Jack Della Maddalena and Justin Gaethje threatening to walk if he doesn’t get a title shot, Pimblett is the hottest ticket in town.

    Ilia Topuria Drops Bombshell Return Announcement For UFC 317
    Image: @iliatopuria/Instagram

    And why not? Paddy Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC and just dispatched Michael Chandler in a performance that left little doubt about his credentials. “Paddy Pimblett just beat Michael Chandler, beat him down, made a mockery out of him, beat him to a pulp, and then got the finish,” Bisping recounted. Chandler, after all, was the gatekeeper for title contention, so Pimblett’s case for a title shot is hard to ignore.

    With all the trash talk, the backstory, and the UFC’s love for a money fight, Bisping’s advice is clear: “If I’m Paddy Pimblett right now, I ain’t calling out Justin Gaethje, I ain’t calling out anyone, because that fight happens next Saturday, and if he calls him out, it’s going to happen. The UFC is going to make that match-up, especially when Ilia says stuff like this.”

    Former UFC featherweight Ilia Topuria.
  • Paddy Pimblett explains why he believes he’d defeat Ilia Topuria ahead of UFC 317

    Paddy Pimblett explains why he believes he’d defeat Ilia Topuria ahead of UFC 317

    UFC star Paddy Pimblett has explained why he believes he can be the one to defeat Ilia Topuria.

    As we know, Paddy Pimblett is one of the biggest names in all of mixed martial arts. He has already achieved some great things in the sport, but in equal measure, it still feels like he’s got a long way to go before he can convince his critics that he’s an elite lightweight. With that being said, it feels like he could be just one win away from a championship opportunity – with some wondering whether or not that chance will stem from a fight against Justin Gaethje.

    There are lots of different directions the UFC can go in, but for Paddy Pimblett, an eventual collision with Ilia Topuria seems like the right way to go. In a recent chat with Tom Aspinall, ‘The Baddy’ spoke openly about a showdown with ‘El Matador’.

    Paddy Pimblett on possible Ilia Topuria fight

    “I know I’d beat him,” Pimblett said during a conversation with Tom Aspinall.

    “Funny ‘cause I get laughed at for it. But I know I beat him.

    “We’ve already talked about a game plan to beat him. And I know how to beat him.

    “No one goes for his weaknesses when they fight. Everyone just decides to have a boxing match with him. I’m not going to come out and have a boxing match with him. I’m going to beat him with my all-around MMA game.”

    “As I said, I know I’d beat him up. And I reckon I’d proper hurt him and just shut everyone up even more, like I love to do.”

    Quotes via Bloody Elbow

  • ‘Let Me Enjoy Cake, Lad’: Paddy Pimblett Responds To Critics Of His Off-Season Look

    Paddy Pimblett wants his naysayers to stop obsessing over his out-of-competition physique.

    Pimblett has made a name for himself with his action-packed performances inside the Octagon, but outside of it, he’s just as well known for abruptly ballooning in weight after his fights.

    It’s no secret that “The Baddy” is a passionate foodie, often indulging in post-fight feasts that lead to dramatic weight gains — something fans have become all too familiar with, thanks to the puffed-up photos and videos he regularly shares on social media.

    However, Pimblett consistently steps into the cage in peak condition with a shredded physique, prompting many to question how he’s able to undergo such drastic weight fluctuations between fights — and even sparking debate among critics about his approach to managing his body.

    Images: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

    Paddy Pimblett Defends Weight Fluctuations

    During a recent interview with TNT Sports, Paddy Pimblett weighed in on the ongoing criticism surrounding his weight fluctuations, brushing off the exaggerated public perception. He explained that he naturally carries more weight outside of fight week, and that appearances can be misleading when it comes to judging his physique.

    “It’s funny, innit? People think I put like 30 pounds on, or like 40 pounds on, like my face goes a bit chubby,” Paddy said. “But I weigh in at 156, and yet people are like, ‘Oh, he’s put 40 pounds on.’ I haven’t, because I walk in the cage the next day like 185. So I put like 10, 15 pounds on from what I actually walk in the cage. Like, it’s mad.”

    “The Baddy” made his most recent Octagon appearance at UFC 314 last month, where he secured a statement third-round knockout victory over former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler. The win elevated Pimblett’s flawless UFC record to 7-0, with five of those victories coming by way of stoppage.

    Image: @theufcbaddy/Instagram

  • UFC Veteran Blasts Paddy Pimblett’s Weight Gain: ‘If I Were His Coach…’

    UFC Veteran Blasts Paddy Pimblett’s Weight Gain: ‘If I Were His Coach…’

    Former UFC welterweight Matt Brown believes Paddy Pimblett is playing a risky game with his drastic weight gain in-between fights.

    As is often the case, Pimblett has been enjoying himself in the aftermath of his latest assignment inside the Octagon. After successfully cutting the pounds to make the lightweight limit, “The Baddy” put a beating on Michael Chandler in the co-main event of this month’s UFC 314 pay-per-view.

    The Scouser’s culinary habits post-fight are well known, with Pimblett admitting to gains of over 50 pounds during stints between fights. And it didn’t take long for clips to do the rounds showing the former Cage Warriors champion preparing snacks backstage at UFC 314.

    While some see the funny side to Pimblett’s unique approach to nutrition, during the latest episode of MMA Fighting’s The Fighter vs. The Writer, ex-fighter Matt Brown fired a warning at the Liverpudlian.

    “If I were his coach, I would have some concern,” Brown said. “What I tell all of my fighters is we have a short window here. You might be doing this for 15 to 20 years at most. There’s a lot that you can get out of it. Why not squeeze all the f*cking juice out that you can? It’s not a ton of suffering to not put on f*cking 40 pounds after a fight. You can enjoy yourself. Enjoy yourself with some moderation and then be back in the gym next week. Nothing wrong with that.

    “You’ve got to have a good, relaxed mind when you’re training and going through this journey, but particularly when we’re young, we feel invincible. We forget how short all this is,” Brown continued. “We push so hard to get something, and then we get it, and we just relax. It’s not a good way to look at it. He’s in an absolute savage division, too. He better keep his eyes on the prize because he’s in for some bloodthirsty motherf*ckers now. … You’re not in LFA, Cage Warriors, wherever he came from. You’re in with the top motherf*ckers in the world now.”

  • Paddy Pimblett Shows Respect To ‘Legend Of The Sport’ Michael Chandler After UFC 314 Clash

    Paddy Pimblett Shows Respect To ‘Legend Of The Sport’ Michael Chandler After UFC 314 Clash

    UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has only positive things to say about Michael Chandler following their fight in Miami earlier this month.

    Pimblett recorded the biggest win of his Octagon career to date at the UFC 314 pay-per-view on April 12, which he co-headlined inside Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    To keep his undefeated UFC record intact and further climb the ladder toward title contention, “The Baddy” was tasked with adding to the woes of a Chandler who entered the event without a win since 2022.

    “Iron Mike” was unable to rectify that and improve his negative record in the promotion, instead getting battered by Pimblett en route to a TKO stoppage midway through round three.

    Over a week on, Pimblett shared a heartwarming interaction between the pair backstage, accompanying it with a classy message to his defeated opponent.

    “It was an absolute pleasure to share the cage with such a legend of the sport in @mikechandlermma,” Pimblett wrote. “Nothing but respect for him before the fight and even more after we fought”

  • Islam Makhachev’s Coach Says Paddy Pimblett ‘Worthy’ Of Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot

    Islam Makhachev’s Coach Says Paddy Pimblett ‘Worthy’ Of Next UFC Lightweight Title Shot

    Should the UFC grant Paddy Pimblett a surprise title shot following his latest triumph, the coach of champion Islam Makhachev would seemingly be supportive of the decision.

    Pimblett continued to build momentum in his quest to reach the mountaintop on MMA’s biggest stage, decimating Michael Chandler in the co-main event of Saturday’s UFC 314 pay-per-view.

    “The Baddy” exited Miami’s Kaseya Center with his undefeated promotional record intact, and he’s since risen to #8 in the official lightweight rankings.

    While that’s left plenty of prominent names still ahead of him in the pecking order, the Scouser has been touted for a potential shot at gold next.

    During the latest episode of his podcast, the Javier & Mo Show, coach Javier Mendez was asked about the prospect of Makhachev defending his belt against Pimblett sooner rather than later.

    “Paddy’s ready to face anybody,” Mendez said. “What he’s done already, his credentials, his winning record in the UFC — and his hype, what he can do, how he can motivate people — if they give him the next title shot, he deserves it. … Is he worthy? Yes. He’s very interesting, and he’s got all of England behind him. … I’m a fan.”

  • Dustin Poirier Pitches Next Opponent For ‘Real Deal’ Paddy Pimblett After UFC 314

    Dustin Poirier Pitches Next Opponent For ‘Real Deal’ Paddy Pimblett After UFC 314

    UFC lightweight veteran Dustin Poirier has an idea in mind for Paddy Pimblett’s next test inside the Octagon.

    Pimblett continued his charge up the 155-pound ladder at this past weekend’s UFC 314 pay-per-view, which he co-headlined against Michael Chandler inside Miami’s Kaseya Center.

    “The Baddy” made a statement by laying a devastating beating on “Iron Mike” in the third round to secure a TKO stoppage, extending his undefeated UFC record in the process.

    During a recent interview with MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn, Poirier praised Paddy Pimblett’s performance in “The Magic City” and pondered what could come next for him in the stacked lightweight division.

    “He’s legit,” Poirier said. “How can I deny him any more? Chandler’s a tough guy. I don’t think Chandler looked great. … I definitely think Chandler didn’t look great, but not taking away from Paddy’s performance. Paddy went out there, dropped the first round, came out confident and hit Chandler with good shots. Then he took him down. Who would’ve have had that on their bingo card that Paddy is going to take down Chandler to the mat like that and get on top of him and dominate him like that. Paddy’s the real deal.

    “The guy was a prospect. Now he’s a contender,” Poirier continued. “You have to take him for real now. Not that Chandler wasn’t a big fight, but his next fight has to be a really big one. Like a (Mateusz) Gamrot, Arman (Tsarukyan), (Charles) Oliveira. … For me as a fan, put him in there with Dan Hooker. That would be an incredible fight. That’s a fun fight. The build up is going to be fun. Dan is going to stand and trade with him. Dan has good takedown defense, on the ground. That’s the fight, I think.”

    Dan Hooker is coming off a split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot in Australia last September. He was scheduled to battle Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 last month but had to withdraw due to injury.

  • Paddy Pimblett Vows To ‘Do the Same Thing’ To Ilia Topuria That He Did To Michael Chandler

    Paddy Pimblett Vows To ‘Do the Same Thing’ To Ilia Topuria That He Did To Michael Chandler

    Paddy Pimblett, riding high after his dominant victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314, expressed his interest in welcoming Ilia Topuria to the lightweight division.

    Following his TKO win in Miami, Pimblett was asked about a potential future matchup with the former featherweight champion after calling out names like Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan.

    “To be honest, I forgot about him. I forgot all about him, or I would’ve mentioned him in the cage. … That’s how irrelevant he is. I’m ranked higher than he is at lightweight, so I’d love to welcome him at 155, but apparently, he’s sitting out and waiting for the title shot.”

    Pimblett believes his performance against Chandler provides a blueprint for defeating Topuria.

    “But what I’ve just done to Chandler, [that’s] the blueprint to beating him. I’ll do the exact same thing to Ilia what I’ve done to Chandler.”

    Looking ahead, Pimblett hopes to contend for the lightweight title in 2026, regardless of who holds the belt, be it Islam Makhachev or another fighter.

    Pimblett acknowledged how fluid the division came be and mentioned potential scenarios involving Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena.

    “I’ve seen stuff where Islam might retire after another defense or two, or if [Jack Della Maddalena] beats Belal Muhammad, he’ll move up and fight for the welterweight belt,” Pimblett explained.

    Ultimately, his focus remains on facing whoever the UFC puts in front of him.

    “Whoever’s in front of me, that’s who I fight. Whoever the UFC sends me… that’s who I fight next, and that’ll be whoever I fight next.”