Paddy Pimblett’s path to a UFC lightweight title shot has been thrown into disarray following Islam Makhachev’s dominant welterweight victory at UFC 322. With Makhachev now positioned for a potential superfight against champion Ilia Topuria, ‘The Baddy’ finds himself in championship limbo despite his impressive victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 304 earlier this year.
Makhachev’s Move Creates Lightweight Logjam
Islam Makhachev’s successful welterweight debut against Jack Della Maddalena has created unexpected complications throughout the UFC’s lightweight division. The former 155-pound champion’s unanimous decision victory not only earned him a second title but immediately positioned him for a potential June showdown with current lightweight king Ilia Topuria. This dream matchup between two dominant champions threatens to freeze the division’s top contenders, including Pimblett, for the majority of 2026.
The timing couldn’t be worse for Pimblett, who had been building momentum toward his own title shot following four consecutive victories. “You never know, I could end up fighting Ilia, I could finally be fighting Justin Gaethje; I thought I was going to in Abu Dhabi,” Pimblett told reporters, highlighting the uncertainty that now defines the lightweight landscape.
Pimblett’s Paramount Dreams in Peril
Prior to UFC 322, speculation had mounted that Pimblett might challenge Topuria in the UFC’s debut event on Paramount in 2026. The matchup made sense from both competitive and promotional perspectives, pitting two of the organisation’s most marketable stars against each other. However, Makhachev’s reemergence as a lightweight factor has complicated these plans dramatically.
Pimblett remains philosophical about the situation, vowing to fight early next year regardless of opponent. His determination reflects the reality that in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division, inactivity can be more damaging than a loss. With contenders like Justin Gaethje, Arman Tsarukyan, and Michael Chandler all vying for position, Pimblett cannot afford to wait indefinitely for the Topuria situation to resolve itself.
The Domino Effect of Champion vs. Champion
A Makhachev-Topuria superfight represents the ultimate bottleneck for the lightweight division. Both champions would likely require significant preparation time for such a high-stakes encounter, potentially sidelining the title picture for 6-9 months. This creates a tricky situation for contenders like Pimblett, who must decide whether to wait for the outcome or risk their position in interim bouts.
The UFC faces a difficult balancing act. While Makhachev vs. Topuria would generate massive pay-per-view numbers and mainstream attention, it could also stall the development of emerging stars like Pimblett who need timely title opportunities to maintain their promotional momentum.
Potential Pathways Forward for ‘The Baddy’
Several scenarios could unfold for Pimblett in early 2026. The most logical would see him facing another top contender to solidify his championship claims. A bout against Justin Gaethje would provide the explosive action fans crave while establishing a clear next challenger for whoever emerges from the potential Topuria-Makhachev showdown.
Alternatively, the UFC could position Pimblett in a title eliminator against another rising contender, possibly the winner of upcoming bouts between Arman Tsarukyan and Charles Oliveira or Beneil Dariush and Rafael Fiziev. Whatever path emerges, Pimblett’s willingness to fight anyone demonstrates the mindset that has made him one of the UFC’s most popular attractions.
Conclusion: Patience Meets Opportunity
Paddy Pimblett finds himself at a critical juncture familiar to many contenders in stacked divisions—the collision between championship aspirations and promotional realities. While his preferred path to Topuria has become more complicated, his determination to remain active early next year shows the professionalism required to eventually break through to title contention.
As the UFC navigates the compelling chess match that Makhachev’s welterweight success has created, Pimblett’s flexibility and fighting spirit may ultimately prove to be his greatest assets in securing the championship opportunity he covets.
Paddy Pimblett’s Lightweight Dilemma: FAQ
When does Paddy Pimblett want to fight next?
Pimblett has stated he intends to fight early next year, regardless of the opponent or the uncertainty in the lightweight division.
How does Makhachev affect Pimblett’s title shot?
Makhachev’s potential fight with Topuria could delay title opportunities for all lightweight contenders, potentially pushing Pimblett’s shot into late 2026 or beyond.
Who could Pimblett fight instead of Topuria?
Justin Gaethje appears to be the most likely alternative, though fights against other top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan or the loser of upcoming title eliminators are possible.
Was Pimblett scheduled to fight at UFC Abu Dhabi?
He indicated he thought he would be fighting Gaethje in Abu Dhabi, suggesting the matchup was at least discussed before plans changed.
What was Pimblett’s last result?
He defeated Michael Chandler by unanimous decision at UFC 304, extending his winning streak to four fights since joining the UFC.
