Paddy Pimblett Eyes Ilia Topuria Grudge Match and UFC Return in 2027

Paddy Pimblett is angling for a massive 2027 showdown with bitter rival Ilia Topuria, a fight veteran Jorge Masvidal believes could sell out a 100,000-seat stadium. The UFC lightweight contender is not close to booking his next bout but has revealed his ideal return date while dismissing Topuria's championship credentials.

Pimblett and Topuria Feud Reaches Boiling Point

The long-simmering animosity between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria is the UFC's most bankable grudge. The pair nearly fought at a hotel before UFC London in 2022. Now, with both coming off losses to Justin Gaethje in 2026, the path is clear for a decisive clash. Pimblett told Kolos MMA he wants to settle the score on camera first, pitching a season of The Ultimate Fighter to hype the fight. "I’d get under his skin so much, that when we come into the fight, I’d beat him just as fast as (Conor) McGregor beat (Jose) Aldo," Pimblett said. UFC CEO Dana White has previously stated this fight is big enough to headline a major event.

Jorge Masvidal Touts Stadium-Selling Potential

Former BMF champion Jorge Masvidal, a proven pay-per-view star, has weighed in on the matchup's commercial appeal. He told Full Mount MMA that a Topuria versus Pimblett headliner is the promotion's ultimate draw. "This is the biggest fight you can make," Masvidal said. "If they told you, like, 'We’ve got to fill up a 100,000-person stadium somewhere in Europe or anywhere,' this is the fight." His endorsement shows the fight's potential to shatter European attendance records for the UFC.

Pimblett Writes Off Topuria's Championship Aura

Pimblett is not only chasing a payday. He is confident he can expose a diminished Topuria. The Spaniard suffered his first career loss when his corner stopped his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pimblett, who lost a decision to Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, thinks that defeat is permanent damage. "A little bit damaged goods," Pimblett told All Out Fighting. "He’s never lost before, and he’s about 27 or something. So, his whole aura was unbeatable... Now he’s been beat, that’s in his head, and I’ll prove that if I end up fighting him next."

Return Timeline and a New Challenger Emerges

While the Topuria fight simmers, Pimblett's immediate schedule is open. He stated he is "not close" to announcing his next bout and confirmed he will not fight again in 2026. His ideal return is early 2027. Meanwhile, a new name has entered the conversation. Renowned coach Javier Mendez expressed a desire for his fighter, Bellator champion Usman Nurmagomedov, to make his UFC debut against Pimblett. This potential matchup offers a starkly different stylistic challenge, pitting Pimblett's aggressive grappling against Nurmagomedov's technical, patient approach.

Pimblett's Recent Form and the Lightweight Landscape

Pimblett rebounded from his loss to Gaethje by submitting Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 earlier this year. The lightweight division currently hinges on champion Justin Gaethje's decision on retirement. If Gaethje vacates, Topuria could be in line for a vacant title shot, with top contender Arman Tsarukyan also in the mix. A win for Pimblett against any of these elite names would catapult him into the championship conversation.

• Key Fight Pitch: Paddy Pimblett wants to coach against Ilia Topuria on The Ultimate Fighter before a stadium grudge match.
• Commercial Forecast: Jorge Masvidal believes Pimblett vs. Topuria is the UFC's biggest possible fight, capable of selling 100,000 tickets.
• Return Window: Pimblett will not compete again in 2026, targeting a return to the Octagon in early 2027.
• New Challenge: Coach Javier Mendez has called for Usman Nurmagomedov's UFC debut to be against Pimblett.