Amid rumors of a potential fight between undisputed UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, former 155-pound kingpin Islam Makhachev isn’t a fan of the matchup.
Pimblett (23-3) recently called out Topuria (17-0) on social media, claiming he hasn’t “signed the contract.” However, Makhachev would rather see Topuria defend the UFC lightweight title against other credible opponents, such as Arman Tsarukyan and former interim UFC lightweight titleholder Justin Gaethje.
“I feel like Arman has to be next, because this guy deserves it,” Makhachev told ESPN MMA. “He’s still number one in this division. And he has to fight for the title. Maybe Arman, maybe (Justin) Gaethje. But not Paddy for sure.”
Paddy Pimblett’s resume lacks noteworthy opponents?
Tsarukyan is currently booked, as he will take on Dan Hooker in the headliner of UFC Fight Night on Nov. 22. He will return to action after a one-year hiatus, since a split decision win over Charles Oliveira at UFC 300 in April 2024.
Gaethje had surfaced as a possible opponent for Topuria before recent rumors involving Pimblett began to heat up. “The Highlight” is coming off a unanimous decision win against Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 in March.
“The Baddy” defeated Michael Chandler by TKO in the third round at UFC 314 in April. Pimblett then moved up to No. 6 on UFC’s lightweight rankings, and the speculation of a lightweight title shot began to ensue. Chandler had just one win in his previous five fights, prior to facing Pimblett. He was also coming off two back-to-back losses. Following the defeat against Pimblett, Chandler is now in a 0-3 stretch.
With Tsarukyan and Gaethje each holding a higher ranking in the UFC’s 155-pound division, Makhachev also questioned Pimblett’s opposition against any top competitors.
“I don’t know who Paddy beat, who?” said Makhachev. “Like Tony Ferguson, who else? Everybody beat (Michael) Chandler.”
