After a statement victory over former title challenger, ‘Iron’ Michael Chandler, last time out, where does that leave the state of the UFC Lightweight division, moreover, the Liverpool native’s route to a possible title fight in the company’s premier division?
Today, we delve into Pimblett’s possible next opponent and why each of these prospective challengers could be great dance partners on his way to a title challenge in the future.
- Renato Moicano
Islam Makhachev’s most recent title challenger, having taken the fight on extremely short notice. Before this fight, he had won 6 of his last 7, only losing to former champion, Rafael dos Anjos by decision in 2022. Currently ranked at 10, he is lower down the rankings than Pimblett who is in at 8, therefore would probably not push Paddy closer to the title, therefore making it more unlikely as the UFC brass seem keen on pushing ‘The Baddy’ closer to the top.
- Ilia Topuria
The former Featherweight champion has recently vacated his crown, in favour of a move to 155lb. Although suspected to go straight to a title fight with current holder Islam Makhachev, Topuria and Pimblett do have some history. The pair were involved in an altercation involving a bottle of hand sanitiser in the fighter hotel at UFC London, in March 2022. This would most likely be a high grossing fight for the company, however they will probably hope that they can book this when either fighter holds the title and are at peak stock.
- Arman Tsarukyan
Trasukyan was scheduled to fight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 311, however, pulled out on fight week due to an apparent back injury. It was then later confirmed by Dana White that Tsurukyan would need to get another win on his resume before being offered another shot at gold. Therefore, the Armenian man would be available to fight against Paddy, however, I don’t see this being a favorable fight in the eyes of the UFC and one they are likely to book as there are more appetizing fights out there for both guys.
- Justin Gaethje
Coming off a 2nd win against Rafael Fiziev on UFC 313, the number 3 ranked Gaethje seems to be the most favorable match up in the fans eyes for the Next Gen athlete. This would most certainly be Paddy’s toughest test to date and likely to be a fight of the night contender if matched. Due to “The Highlight”’s impressive resume and high ranking, a win over a fighter of this calibre would be sure to put Pimblett’s name in the conversation for the title.
- Charles Oliviera
A former lightweight champion in his own right, “Do Bronxs” and Paddy share a mutual last opponent in Michael Chandler, with Charles besting him for the 2nd time, on this occasion via unanimous decision. Although this is a fight Pimblett called for, it has been rumoured that the company are favouring a match between Oliviera and former featherweight kingpin Ilia Topuria (this is if Islam Makhachev moves up a division to face new champion, Jack Della Madallena, as Makhachev has showed interest in.) No matter whether this fight is next or not, Pimblett vs Oliviera would be a great test of both fighters’ grappling acumen.
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