Paddy Pimblett vs. the UFC lightweight division: Possible matchups
Paddy Pimblett had about as flawless a performance as he could have hoped for at UFC 329. Now, weeks after his stunning win, it's time to plot his path forward.
Paddy Pimblett had arguably the most memorable performance out of anyone at UFC 329. He took on the dangerous Benoît Saint Denis, who was on a four-fight win streak. All finishes. Yet, it took 'The Baddy' just 52 seconds in round one to punish his foe for an ill-advised takedown by choking him out cold with a Peruvian necktie. Now, ranked #5 in the lightweight division, he will look to climb back into title contention. The question is, who does he next face?
Matchmaking for Paddy Pimblett
As one of the biggest stars in the promotion, it is unlikely that Paddy Pimblett will face anyone below him in the rankings. Though because he only just rebounded from a brutal unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje in the pair's interim lightweight title fight at UFC 324, it is also unlikely that he will face Gaethje for the latter's now undisputed belt. In fact, Gaethje himself has dismissed talk of a potential rematch with Pimblett, who has not yet done enough to earn one in his eyes. Pimblett needs one more win. So, with 'The Highlight' removed as a potential opponent in his immediate future, there are only four other fighters with whom Pimblett could be paired.
PADDY PIMBLETT THAT IS INCREDIBLE!
HE SUBMITS BENOIT SAINT-DENIS IMMEDIATELY IN ROUND ONE!#UFC329 pic.twitter.com/wp44VmG650
The most obvious matchup would be against the #1 ranked Ilia Topuria. There's no love lost between the pair, and their feud would bring tremendous fan interest to a bout, especially if it is billed as both a grudge match and title eliminator. However, with no news of when Topuria will return after his fourth-round TKO loss to Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, or if he'll even continue at lightweight, Pimblett may have to look at another rival. Arman Tsarukyan, who is ranked #2, is a fighter with whom 'The Baddy' has some enmity, with both men having traded trash talk on occasion. Pimblett, though, seems less interested in fighting Tsarukyan than he is in fighting the likes of Topuria. Still, there is some chance, especially with Tsarukyan hinting at an upcoming fight announcement.
The other possible fight would be against Charles Oliveira, who is ranked #3 and reigns as the current BMF champion. Pimblett had once expressed an interest in testing his grappling against Oliveira, who is widely regarded as the most dangerous submission specialist in UFC history. Unfortunately, nothing came of his interest, leaving the #4 ranked Max Holloway as the final option. 'Blessed' is coming off an injury-related TKO win over Conor McGregor at UFC 329, a card on which Pimblett also fought. Holloway is a legend and ranked ahead of Pimblett, and a win over him would certainly catapult the Scouser into title contention.
However, if the matchmakers must make a definitive decision, then Pimblett should be booked to fight Topuria either in late 2026 or early 2027 in a title eliminator.
