Paddy Pimblett Teases Next Fight Timeline With Bold Christmas Weight-Gain Plan
Paddy Pimblett has suggested that he will not compete again in 2026.
The UFC lightweight contender intends to enjoy his Christmas and eat his favourite meals before heading back to training. Paddy Pimblett wants to return to the octagon early next year and already has his sights set on the former two-division UFC champ he despises the most: Ilia Topuria.
Paddy Pimblett Plans to Get Fat Over Christmas
In an interview with Cassy's IFL TV, the Liverpudlian revealed that he is not going to fight for the rest of 2026 and is going to enjoy his Christmas. He said:
“It’ll probably be next year now, so I can get fat over Christmas.
“Loads of scran over the next couple of days and weeks.
“I’ll enjoy my Christmas dinner and then get back into camp.”
Pimblett has already competed twice in 2026. He faced Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 for the interim lightweight title and lost by unanimous decision. After a few months, at UFC 329, he bounced back by submitting Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds.
Although Pimblett wanted a quick turnaround, the current lightweight landscape offers him few options, as no one ranked above him appears to be available to fight him right now. Therefore, waiting for Topuria, who is expected to be ready early next year, makes sense.
Paddy Pimblett Warns Ilia Topuria
'The Baddy' has several opponents in mind. With that being said, Ilia Topuria remains the most talked about opponent because of their ongoing rivalry.
Speaking to Eze Talks Sports, Pimblett was asked about a potential fight with 'El Matador.' He replied by sending a cold warning to the 29-year-old:
“I’d love to smash his head in, but we need to wait and see."
In the past few weeks, Pimblett has proposed coaching against Ilia Topuria on the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, with the two expected to fight after the season ends. Dana White has also loved the idea but has not confirmed if it will happen. White said:
"I love the idea of that, but a lot of things determine how things play out. Not just for The Ultimate Fighter, but certain fights and title fights. We'll see how the timing plays out."
