Paddy Pimblett Pitches TUF Showdown with Ilia Topuria

Paddy Pimblett is pushing for a high-stakes rivalry with Ilia Topuria, pitching himself as the perfect opponent for a season of The Ultimate Fighter. The UFC lightweight contender, fresh off a first-round submission win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July, sees the reality show as the ideal build-up to a blockbuster fight.

Pimblett Proposes TUF Season with Topuria

With no fight currently booked, Pimblett has zeroed in on Topuria as his desired next opponent. He believes their contrasting personalities would create must-see television. "I think me and Ilia Topuria would be a brilliant season of 'The Ultimate Fighter' because I’d get under his skin so much," Pimblett told Kolos MMA. The UFC has not yet indicated if it will move forward with this idea, but Pimblett is actively selling the concept.

He Challenges Arman Tsarukyan's Title Claim

Pimblett's call-out extends beyond Topuria. He has also taken direct aim at Arman Tsarukyan, who is next in line for a shot at champion Justin Gaethje. Tsarukyan scored a first-round knockout of Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 last month, extending his win streak to six. Pimblett, however, is not impressed. He argues his own win over the then-No. 5-ranked Saint Denis is superior to Tsarukyan's victory over the No. 7-ranked Ruffy. "Since UFC 300, he hasn’t beat anyone ranked higher than I’ve beat in over two years, but somehow he’s next for the title?" Pimblett questioned. Despite the criticism, he made it clear he would accept a fight with Tsarukyan if the UFC offered it.

The Open Challenge to the Entire Lightweight Division

Pimblett's stance is one of total availability. He has repeatedly stated he does not turn down fights, a point he emphasized again when discussing the crowded title picture. "I’ll just fight whoever’s name gets put on a contract to me," he said. "If Arman gets offered to me, I’ll fight him. If Ilia gets offered to me, I’ll fight him. If Charles [Oliveira], if Justin, I’ll fight anyone. I don’t care." This open challenge shows his desire to stay active and work his way back to a title shot after his unanimous decision loss to Gaethje for the interim belt at UFC 324 in January.

How the Title Picture Could Shape Pimblett's Path

The UFC's decision on the lightweight championship will directly impact Pimblett's immediate future. Champion Justin Gaethje is not expected to return from injury until 2027. UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has predicted the promotion will book Gaethje against the "undeniable" Tsarukyan next. If that happens, Bisping believes the logical move is to match Pimblett with Topuria. This scenario would give Pimblett the high-profile showdown he wants, potentially serving as a number-one contender bout. The promotion's plans remain unconfirmed, leaving Pimblett in a holding pattern alongside other top contenders.

• Pimblett wants to coach The Ultimate Fighter against rival Ilia Topuria.
• He questions Arman Tsarukyan's title claim, arguing his win over No. 5 Saint Denis is better than Tsarukyan's over No. 7 Ruffy.
• The Liverpool fighter is ready to accept any fight offered, from Charles Oliveira to the champion.
• His last win was a first-round submission at UFC 329 in July; his last loss was to Gaethje at UFC 324 in January.