Paddy Pimblett believes he is just two fights away from earning a shot at the UFC lightweight championship. The rising star is set to return to the Octagon on April 13 at UFC 314, where he will face former title contender Michael Chandler in Miami.
Currently ranked No.12 in the lightweight division, Pimblett sees this bout as a crucial step toward breaking into the top 10. A victory over Chandler, who sits at No.7, would significantly boost his title aspirations. Speaking to JNMEDIA, Pimblett outlined his plan, stating that he aims to fight again in October, ideally in Abu Dhabi, against a high-caliber opponent like Charles Oliveira. A win there, he believes, would cement his place as the next title challenger in 2026.
Oliveira vs. Pimblett – A Potential Blockbuster?
A matchup between Pimblett and Oliveira would be one to watch. Both fighters possess elite Brazilian jiu-jitsu skills, but they also have a reputation for engaging in high-paced striking battles. Oliveira, a former lightweight champion, has already beaten Chandler twice, once by knockout in 2021 to claim the title and again in 2024 via unanimous decision.
Although Oliveira lost his belt on the scales ahead of his fight against Justin Gaethje in 2022, he remains one of the division’s top contenders, currently ranked No.2 behind Arman Tsarukyan. Facing Oliveira would be a massive test for Pimblett, and a victory could propel him straight into a world title fight against reigning champion Islam Makhachev in 2026.
Pimblett’s Options Beyond Oliveira
Previously, Renato Moicano was seen as a potential opponent for Pimblett. However, the Liverpool fighter now believes that beating Chandler will elevate him beyond Moicano’s level, making the fight unnecessary. Another long-discussed possibility is a bout against Conor McGregor. While Pimblett acknowledges the financial appeal of fighting McGregor, he insists that the fight would be more about prize money than a legitimate sporting challenge.
“Ask any fighter in the featherweight, lightweight, or welterweight divisions who they would want to fight, and they will all say Conor McGregor,” Pimblett said. “Not because of legacy, but because of the money. We are prizefighters at the end of the day.”
For now, Pimblett remains focused on his immediate goal—beating Chandler and setting himself up for a run at the title. With an ambitious roadmap ahead, “The Baddy” is determined to prove he belongs among the best in the UFC lightweight division.
