Paddy Pimblett’s rise through the UFC ranks has been swift and dramatic, but his momentum has come to a frustrating halt. The 29-year-old lightweight has not stepped into the Octagon since his statement win over Michael Chandler back in April, a victory that cemented him as a legitimate contender for gold. Yet, months later, Pimblett finds himself sidelined, waiting for a title shot that seems just out of reach.
Speaking to Marca, the British fighter admitted his growing frustration over the stalled negotiations with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Right now I’m struggling to get a fight,” Pimblett said. People talk a lot behind the scenes saying, ‘I want to fight him,’ and then when it comes time for the fight, they don’t accept it. So I’m sitting in limbo waiting.
Plans with Gaethje Fall Apart
Initially, Pimblett believed he would face Justin Gaethje in a No. 1 contender’s clash at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. However, Gaethje reportedly opted to wait for a direct title opportunity instead, leaving Pimblett without a confirmed opponent.
I thought I was going to fight Gaethje in Abu Dhabi in October, but he’s not going to be involved. Dan Hooker is going to fight Arman Tsarukyan, and Charles Oliveira just fought Gamrot. There’s no one else I can fight apart from Ilia Topuria, so hopefully that fight will be sorted out.
With the division’s top names already booked or unavailable, Pimblett believes Topuria is the only logical next step both for rankings and rivalry.
Paddy Pimblett Accuses Topuria of Avoiding the Contract
The outspoken Liverpool native didn’t hold back when calling out Topuria for allegedly delaying the signing of their fight contract.
I think it would have been sorted out by now if he had signed the contract, but he’s stalling. He talks a lot behind the scenes, but when it comes to signing, he doesn’t put his name on it.
Reports from Topuria’s camp suggest that the champion may be targeting a fight with Gaethje early next year, possibly for the UFC’s debut event on Paramount+ in January. Despite that, Pimblett insists he remains the rightful challenger and that their fight would be among the biggest in recent UFC memory.
“We Don’t Like Each Other”
Beyond rankings and opportunities, there’s genuine bad blood between Pimblett and Topuria. The two have a history of heated exchanges, dating back to their run-ins at previous UFC events. Pimblett didn’t shy away from highlighting that personal edge as part of what makes the matchup so appealing.
There are probably other people who deserve it more than me, but give me the title shot and we’ll do one of the biggest fights the UFC has ever seen, Pimblett declared. We don’t like each other. It’s not an act. We both want to hurt each other and he has something I want. So I’ll make him suffer.
For Pimblett, it’s not just about the belt, it’s about proving himself against a rival who’s long been on his radar.
What’s Next for the Lightweight Division?
While Paddy Pimblett waits for clarity, the UFC’s lightweight division remains as crowded as ever. With Tsarukyan facing Hooker and Oliveira recovering, the timing could align perfectly for a Topuria–Pimblett showdown early next year if the contract gets signed.
Should Topuria opt for a different opponent, however, Pimblett may have to stay patient or risk losing his spot in the title conversation. For now, all eyes are on the champion’s next move.
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