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.