Paddy Pimblett Eyes Topuria, Teases Fight Announcement

Paddy Pimblett has signaled that an announcement on his next UFC fight could come in the 'next few days'. The news follows his first-round submission win over Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 329 last month, a victory that has reignited his ambitions at the top of the lightweight division.

Is a Pimblett vs. Topuria fight on the horizon?

The most talked about potential matchup for Paddy Pimblett is a grudge fight with former champion Ilia Topuria. Pimblett has been vocal about his desire for the bout, recently stating, 'I'm gonna absolutely rinse' Topuria's life. This animosity creates a compelling narrative for fans and the promotion. However, fellow contender Arman Tsarukyan has cast doubt on the UFC's willingness to book it. Tsarukyan suggested the promotion might protect both fighters, giving Topuria an 'easy' opponent instead to avoid derailing either star's path to a title shot.

What did Arman Tsarukyan say about the lightweight picture?

Arman Tsarukyan, who fights Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 later this month, played matchmaker for the division. He proposed a scenario where he faces champion Justin Gaethje, while Topuria battles Pimblett. Tsarukyan's comments highlight the strategic considerations behind UFC matchmaking, where protecting investment in popular fighters like Pimblett can sometimes take precedence over immediate fan demand. Should Tsarukyan win his upcoming fight and eventually capture the belt, he has set a lofty personal goal of achieving five title defenses to break Islam Makhachev's divisional record of four.

How did Pimblett react to AI fight analysis?

In a lighter moment, Paddy Pimblett engaged with a Bleacher Report video where artificial intelligence outlined methods to defeat him in the Octagon. The 31-year-old fighter, who holds a professional record of 24-4, reacted to the five proposed strategies, agreeing with some and disagreeing with others. This interaction shows Pimblett's continued engagement with his public persona and media content even between fights.

What's next for 'The Baddy'?

The immediate focus is on the official fight announcement Pimblett has teased. His decisive win at UFC 329 in Las Vegas has positioned him for a significant step up in competition. While the ideal scenario for many is the Topuria fight, the UFC's final decision will reveal their plans for his career trajectory.

• Paddy Pimblett hinted his next fight will be announced imminently, following his UFC 329 win in August 2026.
• He is targeting a high-stakes fight with rival Ilia Topuria, but Arman Tsarukyan doubts the UFC will make it.
• Tsarukyan faces Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in a number one contender's bout.
• Pimblett holds a 24-4 professional record after submitting Benoît Saint Denis in the first round.