UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett has hit out at Justin Gaethje’s title demands after the latter said he would retire if he isn’t given a title shot against lightweight champion Ilia Topuria next.

Pimblett’s comments follow just as he is being linked with the Topuria fight, with reports it could headline the UFC’s first card under their new Paramount+ broadcast deal. Pimblett is on record saying that Topuria has not signed the contract, suggesting a fight is being discussed, as they faced off after Ilia’s stoppage win over Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight belt at UFC 317 in June.

Pimblett, who is coming off a stoppage win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, says he beat a higher-ranked opponent than Gaethje’s last victory (over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March). However, in the current official lightweight rankings, Gaethje maintains the higher standing at 4th, just ahead of Pimblett at 5th. Dana White, though, has dismissed Gaethje’s stance, with Pimblett equally as dismissive.

“I don’t ever want to say a bad word about Justin Gaethje because he’s a legend, but he’s doing interviews lately being a proper b—-, saying the UFC owe him, and he deserves it and all that. No one’s owed nothing. You fight for it. My last win, I beat someone in a better fashion, who was a higher-ranked opponent than he won in his last fight. I know he’s a legend, and obviously he’s done a lot for the company and all that, but you can’t just demand a title shot,” Pimblett said