Paddy Pimblett Pushes for TUF Coaching Role

Paddy Pimblett is making a major play to revitalise a UFC institution while plotting his path back to the lightweight title. The British star has publicly pitched himself and rival Ilia Topuria as coaches for the next season of The Ultimate Fighter, a move UFC President Dana White has called a "love the idea."

Pimblett and Topuria Could Save The Ultimate Fighter

Pimblett believes pairing him with the outspoken featherweight champion would be a ratings bonanza. He directly compared the potential dynamic to one of the show's most famous seasons. "Me and Ilia would bring the ratings back to The Ultimate Fighter like season 10 with 'Rampage' [Jackson] and Rashad [Evans]," Pimblett claimed. He didn't stop there, promising a psychologically gruelling experience for 'El Matador' if the gig materialised. "I would have his head in the shed for six weeks. He wouldn't know where to look, he wouldn't know what to say. I'd have him feeling awkward constantly." The idea has traction at the highest level. At the UFC 332 post-fight press conference, Dana White acknowledged the concept's appeal but noted scheduling would need to be worked out.

Two Personal Feuds Must Be Settled Before a Title Shot

While the TUF idea simmers, Pimblett's competitive focus is razor-sharp. He suffered his sole UFC defeat to Justin Gaethje in a bid for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in January, losing a unanimous decision. Gaethje has since become undisputed champion. Pimblett rebounded impressively at UFC 329 in July, submitting Benoit Saint-Denis in just 52 seconds. His primary goal remains avenging that loss and capturing the belt. "Well, I want to be world champion, so I'd pick Gaethje," he told Kolos MMA. But he has another name in his sights: Ilia Topuria. The sentiment is personal. "If no belt was on the line with any of them, I want to beat Ilia Topuria, so I'd pick him." He holds an identical desire to fight top contender Arman Tsarukyan, framing both as grudge matches that need resolving.

The Teammate He Would Never Fight for UFC Gold

Amidst these call-outs, Pimblett has drawn a firm line in the sand regarding one potential opponent. He trains at Next Generation MMA Liverpool alongside rising lightweight George Staines, who scored a historic slam knockout on Dana White's Contender Series last month. Pimblett was in Las Vegas supporting him. The bond, he says, makes a fight impossible. "No, we'd never fight. Nobody in our gym does that," Pimblett stated. "We train together every day. More family than teammates." He was unequivocal about the stakes, insisting he would rather change weight classes or vacate a title than face Staines inside the octagon.

Open to Fighting Anyone at 155 Pounds

Despite specific rivalries, Pimblett's overall stance is one of readiness. He questions the logic of the current title picture, noting Tsarukyan's recent win over a lower-ranked opponent than his own. But his final position is simple. "I'll just fight whoever's name gets put on a contract to me. I don't turn down any fights," 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."

• Pimblett wants to coach TUF vs. Ilia Topuria, a concept Dana White is receptive to.
• He aims to avenge his January loss to champion Justin Gaethje but has personal scores to settle with Topuria and Arman Tsarukyan.
• He would never fight teammate George Staines, stating he'd vacate a title first.
• His comeback win over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 in July took just 52 seconds.