Paddy Pimblett is baffled by the suggestion he isn’t worthy of a title shot given Islam Makhachev’s path to the UFC lightweight gold three years ago.
Pimblett had a front-row seat as a new champion was crowned in his division at UFC 317 on June 28. In the main event of the International Fight Week pay-per-view, Ilia Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira to achieve two-division glory and succeed Makhachev on the throne at 155 pounds.
‘The Baddy’ entered the cage after the fight upon Joe Rogan’s request, sparking a heated face-off between Pimblett and Topuria that ended when the newly crowned lightweight king shoved his longtime rival.
But while that set up a potential grudge match for later this year, not everyone is enthusiastic about the possibility.
Paddy Pimblett ‘annoyed’ by the notion he doesn’t deserve a title shot
Since UFC 317, portions of the MMA community and other lightweight contenders have pushed back on Pimblett’s claim to the first shot at Topuria.
In his last fight, Pimblett ran through Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in Miami. But given the American’s lackluster record inside the Octagon, many have deemed that win unworthy of earning ‘The Baddy’ a title opportunity.
The Scouser hit back during an interview with Sky Sports, pointing out how Makhachev earned his 2022 title shot and Oliveira booked his spot opposite Topuria this year.
“It annoys me when people say I’m not deserving when Islam got a title after beating Bobby Green, and I beat him faster,” Pimblett said.
“Oliveira just got another title shot off beating Chandler, who he went to decision with and nearly got finished with, when I beat Chandler up for three rounds and beat him like no one has before.
“People just have a different opinion when it’s me, whereas these other fighters, it’s alright, they give them a title shot,” Pimblett added.
Paddy Pimblett is apparently not the ‘closest’ to the next title fight
Despite his strong comments, Pimblett’s chances of squaring off with Topuria next time out recently took a hit.
Topuria’s manager gave Justin Gaethje a boost, telling Kanał Sportowy that the former interim champ is the “closest” to getting the fight.
“Third belt is a matter of time. For now, we’ve given our word to the UFC that we will stay at lightweight,” Lukasz Orzel said (h/t Matysek).
“We’re waiting to see who comes up as the natural contender. We’d like to fight again this year. Gaethje is the closest, time will tell if it’s him.”
Should that be the case, perhaps the UFC will look to book a different grudge match featuring ‘The Baddy’, as the Scouser continues to trade words with top contender Arman Tsarukyan.