Pimblett Shuts Down Rumors & Names Targeted Opponents

Paddy Pimblett (24-4) has targeted December for his return to the Octagon and poured cold water on rumors he would be facing former lightweight champion Ilia Topuria while listing five top lightweights he’d like to face next.

Pimblett joined the UFC in 2021, winning seven straight fights including an impressive 18-month run in which he defeated Tony Ferguson by decision in December, 2023, submitted King Green with a triangle choke in July the following year, and finished Michael Chandler in the third round in April, 2025.

It was not until Pimblett’s January 2026 fight against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt when he lost inside the Octagon for the first time, dropping a unanimous decision to the American. He rebounded in style when he rendered Benoît Saint Denis unconscious from a D’Arce choke on July 11. Now, he’s looking at what’s next.

Though Pimblett said he had not heard from the UFC nor Topuria about a potential fight, hhe does have a longstanding feud with the former lightweight champ. Paddy said he would love to “smash” him. He then named off four other potential opponents he’s interested in fighting, including of course the new champion, Justin Gaethje, who he wants to avenge his loss to.

“I [could fight] Arman [Tsarukyan], Gaethje, [Mauricio] Ruffy, Charles [Oliveira]. There’s loads of names.”

Pimblett finished by remarking that he’d prefer to fight again in December. It would be his third bout in 2026.