The title photo on 155 pounds became a lot more interesting on UFC 314 with the addition of another new name.
With his seventh consecutive victory in the Octagon, Paddy Pimblett silent many critics by putting Michael Chandler in the Co-Main event.
'The Baddy' is now focusing on the top names in the lightweight division, with Pimblett's preference with Charles Oliveira who would set him up for a title shot.
Together with the potential to see Pimblett finally meet Ilia Topuria in the Octagon, the pronounced Brit is also a fascinating challenge for the current champion.
It is not known what the next one is for Islam Makhachev at the moment, but a huge fight against the most polarizing figure of the division can tempt him to stay around a little longer.
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Islam Makhachev said he could fight Paddy Pimblett as soon as 'The Baddy' entered the top 10
Islam Makhachev has made it clear for a while now that he wants the chance to go to goodweight to try to become a two -weight champion.
Various factors are currently in the way of that happens with the 170-pound title that has been defended in the UFC 315 main event next month.
Ilia Topuria would be the pick of most people for the next opponent of Makhachev after the former Federweight champion had left his title to go up, but the Russian was not completely sold on the idea.
Other contenders such as Justin Gaethje are certainly in the mix, but it is not to be denied that Paddy Pimblett is in and around the conversation after what he did on 12 April.
In fact, Makhachev itself stated earlier after the entry of Pimblett on King Green on UFC 304 that a fight between them could come out in the near future under one condition.
The champion said last August that if 'The Baddy' would be able to keep winning and earn a place in the top 10, he would entertain the matchup because it would be a new and exciting challenge for him.
After beating the #7-ranking competitor, Pimblett will certainly be on the edge of the top 5, Monday morning.
“If he deserves it, why not? If he wins his next few match and when he becomes the top 10, why not? Because I don't have an exciting fight in my division, we need a new name.”
Islam Makhachev will be happy to give Paddy Pimblett a title shot with a few more quality UFC victories.
“If he deserves it, why not? … Now it's all the guys who are so dangerous.” pic.twitter.com/bjd8yewmut
– MMA Junkie (@mmajunkie) 2 August 2024
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Paddy Pimblett is a fight, regardless of what happens in the lightweight division
Paddy Pimblett is such a controversial star that if he extends his winning series to eight by beating a top name in the division, the UFC plans will adapt to him.
Regardless of whether Islam Makhachev is going up a weight class or lingers to fight against Ilia Topuria or Justin Gaethje, 'The Baddy' will be at the front of the peloton with another victory.
Pimblett had a lot of criticism during his UFC career, but beating one of the four names he mentioned in his interview after the fight on UFC 314 will make him impossible to deny.
Makhachev would also give the opportunity to fight with real crossover potential that would only increase his status in the process, even if two weight glory is his most important focus.
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