Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Ilia Topuria Believes Paddy Pimblett is One Fight Away from Title Shot, But It May Not Be Tough

Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has rapidly evolved from a fan-favorite personality to legit force in the UFC’s lightweight division. Since his debut in 2021, the Baddy has strung together an impressive nine-fight win streak, displaying a dynamic blend of striking and slick submissions, proving that he is an all-around MMA fighter. His recent performances have silenced haters and critics while thrilling the audience and fans, with highlight-reel finishes over veterans like Tony Ferguson and King Green. But it was his outstanding third-round TKO of Michael Chandler at UFC 314 that truly marked his arrival among the division’s elite.

Dana White congratulated Paddy Pimblett after his win over Michael Chandler 🤝

“Dude, you looked f***ing great. Everybody keeps doubting you man.”

🎥 @PaddyTheBaddy #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/VExmXavrMU
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2025

Now that he’s firmly in entered the top 10, Pimblett has his sights set on the lightweight belt. With Chandler in the rearview mirror, Paddy has openly called out multiple fighters including names like Charles Oliveira, signaling his desire to fight for the title.

Ilia Topuria Weighs in on Paddy Pimblett’s Title Aspirations: “He’s One Fight Away”

Ilia Topuria, who’s going to take on Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight belt at UFC 317, recently talked to Ariel Helwani about Paddy Pimblett’s chances at the lightweight title. Topuria believes that “The Baddy,” needs to take on one more lightweight contender, before he can fight for the strap.

When Helwani asked Topuria about if he believes the UFC will setup a potential title fight between him and Pimblett (if Ilia wins at UFC 317), while ignoring other contenders at the lightweight division, Topuria responded, “No that’s not gonna happen. He’s one fight away for the title shot. So he needs that fight cause it’s gonna be even better for our fight. If he gets one more win, we’re gonna have, I think, the biggest fight in the UFC right now, at the moment.”

Topuria Plays Matchmaker for “The Baddy”

When Helwani asked Topuria about who the next opponent should be for ‘The Baddy,’ Topuria said, “Him vs. Justin Gaethje because I think he’s gonna beat him easily because of the style. It’s not like I don’t like Justin Gaethje. I’m actually a huge fan… I enjoy a lot watching him fight. He’s those guys that takes a lot of punches and throws a lot punches… Paddy could get that win easily, because of the style.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Uncrowned (@uncrowned)

The winner of Charles Oliveira vs. Ilia Topuria, will determine the future of the lightweight division. If Topuria completes his mission to win the lightweight belt, a bout between him and Paddy Pimblett will arguably be the biggest UFC fight, at least for this year. However, we believe that if Paddy was to take on Gaethje, it will not be a easy fight by no means, unlike what Topuria believes.

Ilia Topuria

Justin Gaethje

Paddy Pimblett

UFC

Eric Divakaran

nba

nfl

mma

I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.