Paddy Pimblett is already plotting out his title reign.
Later this month, Pimblett takes on Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 324, fighting for the interim lightweight title. And once he wins the belt,
it’s on to a grudge match with current champion Ilia Topuria. Unless, of course, Topuria can’t do it.
“It’s the only fight to make, but at the same time, we need to see what’s happening with him,” Pimblett said while speaking with Tom Aspinall. “I’ve said it in interviews before, even though I don’t like the guy, I feel for him. …
“If it’s not Ilia, I think it’ll be funnier when I win, the winner of Max and Charles. Be even funnier, just a big ‘f*ck you’ to Arman. It would be hilarious. Tell Arman to go and fight Gamrot or something.
“Max and Charles are fighting, so whoever wins that could end up getting the title shot.”
Topuria won the vacant lightweight title last summer and has yet to defend the belt. There were rumors he would be fighting either Pimblett or Gaethje at UFC 324, but personal issues led “El Matador” to take some time off from the sport. The general expectation was that Topuria would return sometime in 2026 to defend against the winner of Pimblett and Gaethje, but now Pimblett said he’s hearing that may not be the case.
“People keep saying, ‘You’re probably going to end up like Tom when you win it, and get upgraded,’” Pimblett said. “Because people are saying Ilia’s not going to be back for at least a year. People are saying it could get messy, and it could be like two years if it gets dragged out.
“If he’s going to sit out that long, I would rather he just vacate and stop holding the division up. But I do want to fight him, so it’s a catch-22. I want to beat Ilia up and show everyone I can beat him, but at the same time, if he’s going to have me waiting like Tom was waiting for Jon, then no. Just vacate and let the division crack on.”
UFC 324 takes place on Jan. 24 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
