Paddy Pimblett Eyes Topuria Fight and Reflects on Gaethje Loss

Paddy Pimblett is angling for a high-stakes showdown with Ilia Topuria next year, branding the former champion 'damaged goods' after his recent defeat. The Liverpool lightweight has also opened up about the personal growth he experienced following his own setback against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January 2026.

Pimblett has made his next target clear. He wants a fight with Topuria, the Spaniard who was stopped on his stool after four rounds against Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pimblett believes that first career loss has permanently altered Topuria's standing. "I respect him; he's a very good fighter, but he's never fought anyone like me," Pimblett told All Out Fighting. He added, "A little bit damaged goods. You know, he's never lost before, so I don't think he'll ever be the same when he comes back." The English fighter is confident his size and reach would prove decisive in a potential bout, which he hopes will happen in 2027.

The fight that set Pimblett on this path was his five-round war with Gaethje for the interim lightweight title. He lost a contentious decision, with two judges scoring it 49-46. Pimblett argued that eye pokes and a low blow should have led to a point deduction, potentially resulting in a draw. But nearly ten months later, his perspective has shifted. He says the loss affected him less than any previous defeat in his career. "When I lost this one, I didn't even cry," Pimblett revealed. He contrasted it with earlier losses at ages 18, 22, and 23, which he said damaged his mental health. This time, he accepted the result with his head held high, a sign of maturity he credits for his swift comeback victory.

Pimblett will not fight again in 2026. His immediate focus is on securing the Topuria matchup for early next year. His case was strengthened by a blistering performance at UFC 329, where he rebounded from the Gaethje loss by submitting Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds. That win reminded everyone of his finishing power and marketability. Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal has even called a potential Pimblett-Topuria clash "the biggest fight the UFC can make," suggesting it has million-dollar potential. For now, Pimblett is in a holding pattern, waiting for the promotion to make its move while he continues to train.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Paddy Pimblett is actively campaigning for a 2027 fight against Ilia Topuria, whom he considers psychologically wounded.
• He suffered a disputed unanimous decision loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January 2026 but handled it with more resilience than past defeats.
• Pimblett's last outing was a 52-second submission win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329.

The table shows the recent history linking these fighters. Gaethje is the common opponent, having beaten both Pimblett and Topuria in high-profile fights this year. Pimblett's path back to title contention now runs directly through Topuria, a fight he is convinced will expose a fallen king.