Paddy Pimblett reveals his next UFC move amidst the ongoing lightweight division shakeup
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | May 17, 2025, 08.10 AM IST
In a very unexpected manner, lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett took down Michael Chandler at UFC 314 via a knockout. A lot of fans were not expecting such an ending to the bout, especially because this was a much-needed win for Chandler to maintain his legitimacy for a title run within the UFC. Since the win, the Baddy seems to have gained a lot of weight while munching on his favorite food, along with worrying his fans to some extent. However, in a recent interview, Paddy revealed his next career plans, as the fighter prepares himself for his next big fight within this year itself.
However, things might have changed now, and a direct title run might just be a possibility for the Baddy right now. In his recent interview with Adam Catterall, the fighter revealed his expectations for the upcoming UFC events and the plans for his next career move. When the fighter was asked if he is facing Justin Gaethje next, the fighter replied, “Yeah that will be nice. But I was thinking about it the other day. It's probably better for me if Ilia wins the belt, because he'll probably call me out.” The Baddy continued, “Then I could just fight him. I don't even have to fight Gaethje. I could just end up fighting Topuria. But I don't know who I want to win. I'm a fan of Charles, so I think I want Charles to win, but probably better for my career if Ilia wins, because I'll more than likely be his first title defense.”
The fighter weighed in on all possibilities that might come in his way for the title run. Pimblett seems to be pretty confident about securing a win against Gaethje.
“I know for a fact if I beat Gaethje, I'm next in line," Pimblett said. "Definitely. It could be (the next fight). It just if he says yeah or not. Because he's fighting down the rankings again.” The English fighter even mentioned a potential date for his next bout, “Abu Dhabi. October. That pay-per-view. That's when I want to fight. That's what I'll be gearing towards. After what I've done to Michael Chandler, I think I finish Justin Gaethje too.”
Also read: UFC boss Dana White downplays Conor McGregor’s request in a shocking revelation - “He is not fighting anytime soon”
Looking at his current rapid weight gain, the fighter has to go through a lot before coming back in shape for his weight division. But Pimblett seems to be prepared for the intense hard work that comes his way in securing a title run.
Paddy Pimblett gears up for the PPV at Abu Dhabi in October, aims for a title shot next
The lightweight division is one of the most interesting divisions of the UFC. More so now ever since Islam Makhachev vacated his title, leading to a significant shakeup within the category. The vacating of the title places Paddy Pimblett one step closer to the title run. Following Makhachev’s move up and the bout at UFC 314, Pimblett eyed a bout against Charles Oliveira as a follow-up bout towards the second half of his year and thereby finally earning a title shot next year.However, things might have changed now, and a direct title run might just be a possibility for the Baddy right now. In his recent interview with Adam Catterall, the fighter revealed his expectations for the upcoming UFC events and the plans for his next career move. When the fighter was asked if he is facing Justin Gaethje next, the fighter replied, “Yeah that will be nice. But I was thinking about it the other day. It's probably better for me if Ilia wins the belt, because he'll probably call me out.” The Baddy continued, “Then I could just fight him. I don't even have to fight Gaethje. I could just end up fighting Topuria. But I don't know who I want to win. I'm a fan of Charles, so I think I want Charles to win, but probably better for my career if Ilia wins, because I'll more than likely be his first title defense.”
The fighter weighed in on all possibilities that might come in his way for the title run. Pimblett seems to be pretty confident about securing a win against Gaethje.
“I know for a fact if I beat Gaethje, I'm next in line," Pimblett said. "Definitely. It could be (the next fight). It just if he says yeah or not. Because he's fighting down the rankings again.” The English fighter even mentioned a potential date for his next bout, “Abu Dhabi. October. That pay-per-view. That's when I want to fight. That's what I'll be gearing towards. After what I've done to Michael Chandler, I think I finish Justin Gaethje too.”
Also read: UFC boss Dana White downplays Conor McGregor’s request in a shocking revelation - “He is not fighting anytime soon”
Looking at his current rapid weight gain, the fighter has to go through a lot before coming back in shape for his weight division. But Pimblett seems to be prepared for the intense hard work that comes his way in securing a title run.