TLDR
- Paddy Pimblett criticized Justin Gaethje for demanding a UFC title shot and threatening retirement
- Pimblett wants to fight lightweight champion Ilia Topuria next, citing their existing rivalry
- Islam Makhachev’s move to welterweight has complicated the lightweight title picture
- Arman Tsarukyan faces Dan Hooker this weekend at UFC Qatar to determine next contender
- Pimblett plans to fight early 2026 regardless of opponent
UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has spoken out against Justin Gaethje’s recent comments about deserving a title shot. Gaethje stated he would retire immediately if he doesn’t get selected as the next lightweight title challenger.
Pimblett made his feelings clear in an interview with JNMEDIAUK’s Jamal Niaz. “I don’t ever want to say a bad word about Justin Gaethje because he’s a legend, but he’s been doing interviews lately being a proper bitch,” Pimblett said. “Saying like the UFC owes him and he deserves it and all of that.”
Pimblett emphasized that no one deserves automatic title shots. “No one’s owed nothing. You fight for it,” Pimblett stated. He pointed out that his last win came against a higher-ranked opponent than Gaethje’s most recent victory.
Pimblett holds the No. 5 ranking in the lightweight division. Gaethje sits at No. 4. The current champion is Ilia Topuria, who has publicly expressed interest in fighting either Pimblett or Islam Makhachev next.
Topuria Matchup Remains Pimblett’s Focus
Pimblett believes his fight with Topuria should already be scheduled. The two fighters have a history and existing rivalry that dates back to previous encounters. “Me and Topuria’s got the storyline built in,” Pimblett explained. “The storyline is already set up. It’s all ready to go.”
He expressed confusion about why the UFC hasn’t announced the fight. “I don’t understand why it’s not announced and why it’s not already made and written in a contract,” Pimblett said.
Both Pimblett and Topuria will be present at UFC Qatar this weekend. Topuria’s brother, Aleksandre Topuria, fights on the preliminary card. Pimblett’s teammates Shaqueme Rock and Luke Riley also compete on the undercard.
Pimblett issued a warning to both Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan ahead of the event. “Arman and Ilia are both bullies and gang up on people when they’re alone,” Pimblett told Niaz. “There’ll be a team of us this time, so if they try and gang up on us they’re going to get their eye wiped.”
Welterweight Movement Complicates Picture
The lightweight title situation has become more complex. Islam Makhachev recently became the eleventh fighter in UFC history to win belts in two divisions. He captured the welterweight championship, which has affected the lightweight landscape.
Topuria has expressed interest in moving up to fight Makhachev. This potential matchup could delay any fight with Pimblett. “Ilia’s been saying he wants to go up and fight him,” Pimblett said on his YouTube channel.
The welterweight division has also produced new contenders. Carlos Prates and Michael Morales both secured impressive wins at UFC 322. Ian Machado Garry faces Belal Muhammad next week. Shavkat Rakhmonov has been the No. 1 contender for about a year.
“They’re all exciting matchups for Islam,” Pimblett said. “The welterweight division at the moment could be becoming more exciting than the lightweight division.”
Pimblett praised Makhachev’s accomplishments. “(Makhachev is) pound-for-pound No. 1, lad,” Pimblett said. “Unbelievable performance. I think he goes down as one of the best ever.”
Arman Tsarukyan, ranked No. 1, faces No. 6 ranked Dan Hooker this weekend at UFC Qatar. UFC matchmakers are expected to finalize the next title challenger after this fight. Tsarukyan hasn’t fought in nearly 18 months and expects a title shot with a victory.
Pimblett confirmed he will fight early next year regardless of the matchmaking decisions. “I’ll be fighting next year no matter who it is,” he said. “I’ll have an opponent. I’ll definitely be fighting early next year.”
