Paddy Pimblett Targets Topuria Rematch as Gaethje Injury

Paddy Pimblett is making a direct play for a high-stakes rematch with Ilia Topuria, while the UFC lightweight title picture hangs in the balance due to champion Justin Gaethje's injuries.

Pimblett Blasts Topuria Over Gaethje Cheating Claims

Pimblett did not hold back in his criticism of Ilia Topuria. The Spanish-Georgian fighter lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June, a fight stopped by the corner after Topuria suffered broken orbital bones. Topuria later accused Gaethje of loading his gloves, a claim Pimblett vehemently dismissed. "I think Ilia's just being a sore loser, lads, being a little b*tch about it," Pimblett said on his YouTube channel. He pointed out that athletic commissions supervise hand wrapping, making such cheating practically impossible. This public feud sets the stage for a potential grudge match, a possibility UFC president Dana White has already called "intriguing."

A Monster Weight Cut Revealed for Saint Denis Win

The victory that put Pimblett back in this conversation came with a significant physical toll. For his fight against Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July, Pimblett revealed he underwent a staggering 46-pound weight cut. He stated he weighed 202 pounds on April 10, just three months before hitting the lightweight limit of 156 pounds for the official weigh-ins. This massive cut shows the discipline behind his seemingly carefree persona. The effort paid off spectacularly, as Pimblett secured a first-round technical submission win over the dangerous Saint Denis, snapping a two-fight skid that included a loss to Gaethje for the interim title at UFC 324 in January.

Gaethje's Injury Opens the Door for New Contenders

The entire 155-pound landscape is now in flux. Champion Justin Gaethje is sidelined with injuries to both hands sustained in his win over Topuria and is not expected to return until 2027. This extended absence creates an opportunity for fresh matchups at the top of the division. MMA legend Henry Cejudo, speaking on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, explicitly backed the idea of Pimblett fighting Topuria next. "If Justin Gaethje really is that hurt, then check what I'm about to say… You do Ilia Topuria vs Paddy 'The Baddy'," Cejudo told Kamaru Usman. This external validation adds significant weight to the proposed bout.

Pimblett Confident He Can Solve the Arman Tsarukyan Puzzle

Another name in the contender mix is Arman Tsarukyan, who knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 in September. While Pimblett gave Tsarukyan credit for a "naughty elbow" finish, his overall review was scathing. "I thought he looked pretty s- up until the point of the elbow," Pimblett said, noting Tsarukyan's damaged eye from a single right hand. He believes the performance revealed holes, particularly in Tsarukyan's wrestling. "I'd still punch his head in," Pimblett asserted, maintaining his belief that he holds the stylistic keys to beat the Armenian fighter. Whether he gets that chance may depend on if the UFC opts to give Tsarukyan the next title shot instead.

• Pimblett called Ilia Topuria a "little b*tch" for accusing Justin Gaethje of cheating after their June title fight.
• He cut a huge 46 pounds to make weight for his July win over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329.
• With champion Gaethje injured until 2027, Henry Cejudo has publicly backed a Pimblett vs. Topuria matchup.
• Pimblett remains confident he can defeat Arman Tsarukyan despite the contender's recent knockout victory.

Pimblett's outspoken nature and decisive win have thrust him back into the heart of the lightweight conversation. His next move, whether against a bitter rival like Topuria or a rising force like Tsarukyan, will define his path back to the title shot he narrowly missed earlier this year.