Is there anyone currently more prominent in the UFC than Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett, an emerging talent in the Lightweight Division, combining off-the-October confidence with a durable chin, grappling and submission abilities, along with his striking power?
Pimblett, who has a record of 23 victories, 3 defeats, and 0 draws, is presently positioned at No. 8 in the UFC Lightweight Division. His most recent fight was in April at UFC 314, where he secured a knockout against Michael Chandler at 3:07 of round three, marking a notable victory after dominating Chandler in grappling and striking. The victory also granted him the "Performance of the Night" accolade. That victory propelled Pimblett into the division's top 10, where he holds the second-longest current streak.
Following his victory over Chandler, Pimblett informed Joe Rogan that he is eager to face any opponents ranked in the top 4-5 of the Lightweight Division, with aspirations for a world title.
The Lightweight Division is packed. Makhachev, ranked No. 1 (and also the UFC's current top fighter pound-for-pound), is followed by No. 1 Arman Tsarukyan, with Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Dustin Poirier completing the list of top challengers.
Pimblett: “Real Hatred” for Topuria
The Lightweight Division will grow more intriguing on Saturday at UFC 317 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, as Ilia Topuria faces Oliveira. Topuria relinquished the Featherweight championship to advance to a higher weight class. DraftKings lists Topuria at -455 and Oliveira at +350.
A fight between Pimblett and Topuria would generate significant interest and excitement, but Topuria mentioned to Ariel Helwani this week that he doesn't anticipate a matchup with Pimblett in the immediate future, depending on the outcome against Oliveira. Not at this moment, however.
Casino.org connected with Pimblett, a Huyton, UK native, as he discussed UFC 317 and his upcoming plans in the UFC.
Ilia Topuria recently referred to you as a ‘hypocrite’ and expressed that he has a strong disdain for you. Have you looked at his remarks and what do you think of them?
“I’ve got a genuine hatred for Topuria; I think he’s a bellend. I’m not in denial, I still think he’s a good fighter, but I know that I’d beat him. Why did he call me a hypocrite? Is it because I called him a little fat midget? He’s about 5-foot-6 and can’t make featherweight.
I can’t understand how he continues to call me fat. He's ridiculously small but can't even qualify for featherweight. I hit my weight every time; I never miss my weights. You can call me fat as much as you like; I couldn’t care less. I like to savor my life. "You are only considered overweight if you can no longer meet your weight class."
What is your perspective on the outcome of Ilia’s match against Charles Oliveira?
Illa possesses strength, while Charles brings expertise. Max Holloway experienced significant wear and tear before Ilia knocked him out, as did Alexander Volkanovski, who had also been knocked out just three or four months prior. The battle might unfold in his advantage, yet I could also envision Charles leveraging his size to submit him or secure a decision by annoying him for several rounds.
It’s likely a true 50/50 battle for me; I can’t definitively choose a victor. I’m a supporter of Charles, even though I wish to battle him. I have always been a huge admirer of his.
Gazing Ahead to What Lies Ahead
Do you desire the victor, and if Ilia comes out on top, how do you envision a match with him unfolding?
“If Ilia wins, I can see me fighting for the belt next. I’d never usually have said that if it was anyone else, as I’m only ranked 8, but the fact that he keeps talking about me and saying things about me, he’s basically telling the world he wants to fight me.
I’ll be present in Las Vegas on June 28 by the cage. If he brings me up, I'll be dragged into the cage and I’ll be cracking up. It will be rather amusing. I would defeat him just as I defeated Michael Chandler. Ilia believes he can take me down, but he won't come near me. I wouldn't allow him to get close; I'd strike him from all angles and probably T/KO him with either a kick or a punch. I could also pin him down and halt him that way.
I believe individuals have an exaggerated view of Ilia. He’s had a solid performance, I’m not claiming he hasn’t, but Jai Herbert landed a head kick on him a few fights back and he nearly didn’t make it through that. Had Jai been a little faster after dropping him, he would have finished the job.
He was extremely fortunate to have survived that. I'm much larger than Jai; had I landed that head kick, I'd break his chin, let alone knock him out. He’s been overrated and had a smooth ascent through the featherweight ranks. I understand that people often say this about me, that I've faced opponents at the right moments, which I likely have, but he has battled everyone not just at the right time, but at the ideal time.
“I’d beat Ilia however the fight goes, and whenever it happens.”
You mentioned that you're eager to face Justin Gaethje in October, but his manager indicated that he might retire if he isn't offered a title bout next. What are your thoughts on that?
“His manager talks shit. His manager is the craziest helmet in all of MMA, and that’s saying something because there are a lot of helmets in the sport. It’s a load of shit. It’s scare tactics into giving him a title shot – I don’t believe any of it.
I admire Gaethje; he's an excellent fighter, but he's only won a decision against the No.12 ranked fighter, while I've just knocked out the No.7. I halted Chandler in the third round; Gaethje couldn't even defeat him. He needed to bring him to a conclusion.
'I Avoid Creating Problems'
You're in Vegas during fight week. Will you be around stirring up any trouble in the days leading up to Topuria against Oliveira?
I admire Gaethje; he's an excellent fighter, but he's only won a decision against the No.12 ranked fighter, while I've just knocked out the No.7. I halted Chandler in the third round; Gaethje couldn't even defeat him. He needed to bring him to a conclusion.
If I encounter him and it escalates, you never know, I could knock him out and he might not even get to face Oliveira. I’m not the type who shows up to create chaos. If he intends to initiate something, I'll wrap it up, just as I did previously.
I will arrive on Wednesday, so we'll find out what occurs.
