Paddy Pimblett is on the brink of the biggest moment of his career as he prepares to face unbeaten UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. Fresh off a dominant victory over former title challenger Michael Chandler, Pimblett’s confidence has never been higher. The Liverpool native has even compared his grappling to that of middleweight sensation Khamzat Chimaev, while working tirelessly to refine his striking ahead of this high-stakes matchup. With number two-ranked Arman Tsarukyan also returning to the Octagon soon, this fight could reshape the entire lightweight title picture.
Pimblett’s Rise Through the Lightweight Division
Since joining the UFC, Paddy Pimblett has quickly become one of the organisation’s most talked-about fighters. His victory over Chandler was a turning point, showcasing his grappling dominance while proving he can hang with the best in the division. With an unbeaten run under the UFC banner, Pimblett has built momentum towards a title shot and sees Topuria as the perfect opportunity to make his mark on the world stage.
Fans are especially intrigued by the stylistic clash. Pimblett, who has secured three of his five UFC wins by submission, will test his ground game against Topuria, a knockout artist renowned for his power. This contrast in styles makes their bout not just a title fight, but a battle of philosophies—grappling versus striking.
Training Adjustments for the Biggest Test Yet
In preparation for this showdown, Pimblett has fine-tuned his training to focus on striking. Aware of Topuria’s dangerous stand-up game, Pimblett admitted: “I’ve got to improve my striking timing if I’m fighting El Chorizo,” showing both his respect for the champion and his determination to adapt.
Paddy Pimblett says he’s getting better with his striking in case he faces Ilia Topuria 🔥👊
“I’ve got to get that striking timing better if I’m fighting El Chorizo. That’s a lot of what I’m going to work on. But my grappling always feels phenomenal. When I get people on the… pic.twitter.com/CemawrMSfo
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 7, 2025
At the same time, Pimblett remains confident that his grappling can level the playing field. His comparisons to Khamzat Chimaev aren’t made lightly—he believes his submission skills are elite enough to trouble any fighter in the lightweight division. The combination of striking improvements and a world-class ground game could prove decisive against Topuria.
The Lightweight Landscape: Tsarukyan’s Shadow
While all eyes are on Pimblett vs. Topuria, the division itself is far from static. Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked second, looms large as another dangerous contender. His planned return against Dan Hooker in November could have serious implications for who gets the next title shot.
The rivalry between Pimblett and Tsarukyan is bubbling in the background. Should both fighters continue their ascent, a showdown between them may be inevitable. For now, Pimblett knows he must deliver against Topuria to keep himself ahead in the race for lightweight supremacy.
Conclusion: A Career-Defining Fight
The upcoming bout between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria represents more than just a title clash—it’s a defining moment for both fighters. For Pimblett, it’s the chance to prove he belongs among the elite, while Topuria aims to defend his crown against a rapidly rising star.
As the fight draws near, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Pimblett’s grappling prowess carry him to glory, or will Topuria’s knockout power prove too much to overcome? One thing is certain: the lightweight division is about to witness one of its most compelling chapters yet.
Key Point
| Detail | Summary |
|---|---|
| Paddy Pimblett’s Ambition | Chasing his first UFC title shot after beating Michael Chandler. |
| Upcoming Opponent | Faces unbeaten champion Ilia Topuria. |
| Training Focus | Sharpening striking while leaning on elite grappling skills. |
| Division Rivalry | Arman Tsarukyan’s return adds pressure to Pimblett’s title push. |
FAQs
What fight is Paddy Pimblett preparing for?
Pimblett is preparing for a career-defining clash with Ilia Topuria, the unbeaten UFC lightweight champion.
How is Pimblett adjusting his training?
He is sharpening his striking to counter Topuria’s knockout power while relying on his elite grappling, which he compares to Khamzat Chimaev.
How many submission wins does Pimblett have?
Pimblett has secured three UFC wins by submission, showcasing his grappling pedigree.
Where does Arman Tsarukyan fit in?
Tsarukyan, ranked number two, is returning against Dan Hooker. His performance will impact the lightweight contender landscape.
What’s at stake in Pimblett vs. Topuria?
The fight could redefine the lightweight division and determine whether Pimblett cements himself as a genuine title contender.
