TLDR
- Dan Hooker laughed and asked “how?” when told Paddy Pimblett moved to fifth in UFC lightweight rankings
- Pimblett moved up one spot after Islam Makhachev was removed from lightweight rankings following his welterweight title win
- Pimblett has won all seven UFC fights but hasn’t beaten anyone currently in the top 10
- Hooker suggested UFC might be “cherry-picking” Pimblett for a title shot
- Pimblett last fought in April, stopping Michael Chandler in the third round
Dan Hooker expressed surprise at Paddy Pimblett’s rise to fifth in the UFC lightweight rankings. The New Zealand fighter was speaking to media before his Saturday bout against Arman Tsarukyan in Qatar when journalists informed him of the change.
Hooker, 35, laughed and asked “how?” upon hearing the news. His reaction came during press duties ahead of his fight at the weekend event.
Pimblett moved up one position after Islam Makhachev was removed from the lightweight rankings. Makhachev won the welterweight title last week, causing every fighter in the 155-pound division to shift up one spot.
The Liverpool fighter now sits at fifth place in the division. Hooker currently holds the sixth position, one spot below the Englishman.
Pimblett’s UFC Record Under Scrutiny
Pimblett has won all seven of his UFC fights since joining the promotion. However, he has not defeated any opponent currently ranked inside the lightweight top 10.
His most recent appearance came in April when he stopped Michael Chandler in the third round. Chandler was ranked 11th at the time of their fight.
The 30-year-old has finished five of his seven UFC opponents. Despite his perfect record, questions remain about the level of competition he has faced.
Hooker suggested the UFC might have plans for Pimblett. “They must be giving him the title shot,” Hooker said. “They must be cherry-picking him for the title shot. It is what it is.”
Title Picture Remains Unclear
Pimblett has publicly called for a championship fight against Ilia Topuria. The direction of his next move remains uncertain as the UFC has not announced his next opponent.
Topuria holds knockout victories over Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway. Oliveira is ranked second while Holloway sits at third in the division.
Justin Gaethje occupies the fourth spot in the rankings. He represents another potential challenger for the championship.
The fight between Hooker and first-ranked Tsarukyan could influence the next title challenger. Their bout takes place on Saturday in Qatar.
Pimblett is currently in Doha with teammates Luke Riley and Shem Rock. Both Riley and Rock are making their UFC debuts at the Qatar event.
Topuria is also in Doha this week. The champion will be in his brother Alexandre’s corner for Alexandre’s fight against Bekzat Almakhan. Pimblett and Topuria may cross paths during the event.
