“The Best in the World”: Paddy Pimblett Glad Islam Makhachev Left Lightweight

When a fighter as confident as Paddy Pimblett admits he is relieved a rival left his division, you know that rival is something special.

The fan-favorite Scouser did not hold back his honest thoughts after watching Islam Makhachev at UFC 330, this time outpointing welterweight contender Ian Garry. Pimblett, who has built serious momentum in the lightweight division, seemed more than happy to see the former 155-pound king pin his sights on 170 pounds permanently.

"It's nice he's not in my division anymore. He's the best in the world," Pimblett admitted.

Coming from a fighter who usually drips with bravado, it was a rare moment of candid praise. But Pimblett was simply echoing what most of the MMA world was thinking after witnessing Makhachev’s continued dominance.

Why Paddy Pimblett is Staying Put

While Makhachev chases legendary status up at welterweight, Pimblett is focusing on his own path at 155 pounds. Sitting at #5 in the UFC lightweight rankings, "The Baddy" holds an impressive 8-1 Octagon record. He recently bounced back from an interim title loss to Justin Gaethje with an explosive first-round finish over Benoit Saint Denis.

Despite the brutal weight cut to hit 155 pounds, often ballooning up past 200 pounds between fight camps, Pimblett remains realistic about jumping weight classes too quickly.

"I think I will eventually move up to 170," Pimblett explained during a recent appearance on Chris Long’s Green Light podcast. "But for now, I can still make 155. Why would I go up and fight some much bigger men, right?"

It is a smart business decision for the 31-year-old. Pushing up to welterweight means standing across from naturally massive fighters, whereas staying at lightweight keeps him right on the doorstep of a massive fight. Pimblett has been vocal about taking on former champion Ilia Topuria, a matchup with built-in heat that fans would tune in for in droves.

Pimblett is not the only one throwing flowers Makhachev's way either. Heavyweight fan-favorite Tai Tuivasa recently recalled training alongside the pound-for-pound star at American Kickboxing Academy, praising his evolution from a world-class wrestler to a complete martial artist who can stand and trade with anyone.

With Makhachev out of the picture at lightweight, the path to gold suddenly looks a little clearer for everyone else. Pimblett knows he still has a dangerous row of contenders to clear out before strap season arrives, but knowing the "best in the world" is busy ruling 170 pounds certainly makes sleeping at night a whole lot easier.