TLDR
- Pimblett knocked out Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329 after losing his interim title fight to Justin Gaethje
- He remains interested in fighting longtime rival Ilia Topuria but says no talks have happened yet
- Pimblett and Topuria have feuded for years with multiple physical altercations outside the cage
- The Liverpool fighter wants a top 5 opponent next, naming Gaethje, Tsarukyan, Ruffy, and Oliveira as options
- Pimblett attended Katie Taylor’s retirement fight in Dublin where he discussed his future plans
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | mmafighting.com | youtube.com
Paddy Pimblett is keeping his options open for his next fight, but one name continues to stand out above the rest. The Liverpool fighter made it clear he still wants a grudge match with Ilia Topuria.
“I’d love to smash his head in, but we need to wait and see,” Pimblett said while attending a boxing event in Dublin, Ireland last Saturday.
The comments came during Katie Taylor’s retirement fight at Croke Park, where Pimblett was there to honor the boxing legend and support his friend Molly McCann. McCann defeated Sylwia Doligala on the preliminary card.
The Long-Running Topuria Feud
Pimblett and Topuria have feuded for years, with multiple close-range confrontations outside the cage. Despite the bad blood between them, the timing has never worked out for an official bout.
Topuria recently lost his featherweight championship to Justin Gaethje at UFC White House. This makes a potential matchup with Pimblett more possible than ever before.
🤔🥋 Daniel Cormier says Paddy Pimblett is the one grappler at the top of the lightweight division to try and ‘ground’ Salahdine Parnasse:
“There’s one real grappler, in the top of that division right now to try and ground [Parnasse], and that’s Paddy Pimblett.”
(via @dc_mma)… pic.twitter.com/JaQVRZSrfi
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 7, 2026
However, Pimblett made it clear that no discussions have taken place. “Nothing yet,” he said when asked about the Topuria rumors. “No one spoke to me about it, so we’ll see what happens.”
A Strong Comeback After Title Loss
Pimblett started 2026 with a disappointing loss to Gaethje at UFC 324 in an interim lightweight title fight. The defeat was a setback for the popular British fighter.
But “The Baddy” bounced back in impressive fashion at UFC 329. He needed just 52 seconds to put Benoit Saint Denis to sleep with a Peruvian necktie submission.
The quick finish secured Pimblett’s spot in the top 10 rankings. He now finds himself in position for another high-profile matchup.
If the Topuria fight doesn’t happen, Pimblett has several other names in mind. He wants a top 5 opponent to earn another shot at the title.
“Arman, Gaethje, Ruffy, Charles,” Pimblett said, listing his preferred opponents. “There’s loads of names. When I get told who I’m fighting, I’m sure everyone else will know.”
Gaethje recently won the undisputed lightweight championship and is expected to defend his title in 2027. Number one contender Arman Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in what could be a title eliminator bout.
Veteran stars Charles Oliveira and Max Holloway also remain in the title picture. All of these fighters represent potential matchups for Pimblett as he climbs back toward championship contention.
The 29-year-old fighter seems content to wait for the UFC to decide his next opponent. He expressed confidence that whoever gets chosen will create an exciting fight.
Pimblett’s quick knockout of Saint Denis proved he remains a dangerous opponent at 155 pounds. The Peruvian necktie finish showcased his grappling skills and ability to capitalize on openings.
For now, Pimblett waits to hear from UFC officials about his next assignment. Whether it’s the long-awaited Topuria grudge match or a fight against another top lightweight contender, Pimblett says he’s ready for anyone in the division.
