UFC star Paddy Pimblett picked a surprising name for who the matchmakers should book for Islam Makhachev’s next lightweight title defense.
Paddy Pimblett will face the toughest test of his UFC career against Michael Chandler in the UFC 314 co-main event next month. After a six-fight unbeaten streak to begin his UFC tenure, Pimblett is quickly rising the lightweight ranks after etching his name in the Top 15.
While a title shot is likely a few wins away, Pimblett is keeping a keen eye on the top contenders at 155 lbs. UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev is expected to return this summer for his next title defense after finishing short-notice opponent Renato Moicano at UFC 311.
Arman Tsarukyan was supposed to face Makhachev in the UFC 311 headliner before withdrawing on hours notice due to a back injury. After the short-notice pullout, Tsarukyan may have to fight another top contender before making another case for a shot at the belt.
Paddy Pimblett matchmakes Islam Makhachev’s next title defense
UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria‘s addition to the lightweight title picture further complicates the case for the next title fight. Pimblett and Topuria have an extensive history, most notably stemming from their 2022 altercation at the fighter hotel ahead of a UFC Fight Night event in London.
During a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Pimblett was asked for his initial reaction to Tsarukyan’s withdrawal and who should be Makhachev’s next challenger.
“I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was crazy. What’s going on here?” Pimblett said. “And I don’t want to bad mouth him, but the way that Dana spoke about it in his press conference, it was like it was his decision to pull out. The doctor didn’t say ‘you can’t fight’…but I felt a bit bad for him when Dana said ‘No, he’s not next. He’s going to have to go back to the drawing board’.
“But personally, Arman still deserves the next title shot,” Pimblett continued. “Islam’s already beat Charles, beat Poirier…hasn’t fought Gaethje, but Holloway knocked Gaethje out. So I think the only person right for him to fight is Arman, Arman deserves that title shot more than [Ilia Topuria] does.”
UFC CEO Dana White admitted that an immediate title shot isn’t a sure thing for Topuria’s return to lightweight. He may have to face another top contender, such as Charles Oliveira, before making the case for a shot at the title.
Arman Tsarukyan proposed a No. 1 contender fight with recent UFC 313 victor
Another name making a strong case for a title shot is Justin Gaethje, who defeated Rafael Fiziev earlier this month at UFC 313. Gaethje pleaded for a title shot online to White, leading Tsarukyan to scoff at his case.
Tsarukyan proposed a top contender fight with Gaethje, with the winner getting a title shot for their next booking. But as of this writing, Gaethje hasn’t addressed Tsarukyan’s offer.
Makhachev’s coach and manager believe that Topuria needs to win at least one fight before a title shot. But after Topuria teased massive fight news, it’s possible he could get the next nod.
Pimblett is knocking on the door of title contention entering UFC 314. If he finishes Chandler in the Octagon, he could get a big push towards the Top 5.