Paddy Pimblett will apparently not give up until the Ilia Topuria wheep stakes come to an end.
Pimblett has been one of the three hunters to strive for the first shot to dethrones the newly crowned lightweight champion since UFC 317 last June.
In the main event at International Fight Week, Topuria Charles Oliveira caught on to become a two -division champion in the leading promotion of the sport. His first defense with 155 pounds is not confirmed, but the UFC has no shortage of options for 'El Matador'.
In addition to 'The Baddy', both Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje have made their claims. But it is Pimblett that ensures that he is the most vocal.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Paddy Pimblett continues his field for a UFC title to Dana White
Pimblett dominated Michael Chandler on UFC 314 in the most recent victory of his undefeated Octagon Run. For many, such a result does not guarantee an immediate title shot for the number 9 ranked competitions.
However, the scouser has the advantage of a built -in storyline with the champion that goes back to 2022. Pimblett was also confronted with Topuria after the main event at UFC 317, which set the stage for a potential collision along the line.
Although Dana White and the UFC have remained cautious about what the next one is for the Spanish champion, Pimblett still believes firmly that he is the right choice.
And he recently made that claim on social media, placing a video compilation that explained why he should get the nod about both Gaethje and Tsarukyan.
“Ready when,” wrote Pimblett in the caption on X.
Former title Challenger says that UFC cannot 'give' Paddy Pimblett a title shot
Although Pimblett continues to argue and believes that a resort with Topuria is the best option of the UFC, it is safe to say that a potential title shot for 'The Baddy' polarizes.
Among those who have been pushed back on that possibility, ex-title is challenger Al Iaquinta, who rated the title photo in his former division as he spoke with Bloody Elbow.
Iaquinta insisted that the UFC cannot choose Pimblett to then fight Topuria, but acknowledged that a focus on pay-per-view-sale means that the promotion can do this.
“I hope they don't give it to Paddy,” Iaquinta said. “They can't give it to Paddy.
“I don't think he fought against the caliber of boys. They certainly gave him the favorable matchups. I think the last three opponents he has (fought) are like a 10-field losing series.
“But there is bad blood (with topuria),” Iaquinta continued. “They have the bad blood. Bad blood is going a long way. Selling pay-per-views, at the end of the day, that is all that the UFC really cares about. It's not about who it deserves, but more that the more pay-per-views can sell.”