If Paddy Pimblett has the chance to jump the queue and avoid a title -eliminator against Justin Gaethje, Michael Bisping says that he would be more than wise to take it.
The lightweight title photo of the UFC remains one of the most prominent talk points after what unfolded during the International Fight Week at the end of June. Ilia Topuria, with a Headliner-UFC 317 in Las Vegas, hit Charles Oliveira to claim the empty crown that remains on 155 pounds due to the welterweight-bound Islam Makhakev.
In the immediate aftermath, Topuria was opposed to the Pimblett with bitter rival, which was possible to set up that resort for the first defense of the Spaniard. But Gaethje will undoubtedly have something about that, have threatened to retire when he is overlooked.
Some have suggested that the simple solution is to have Pimblett and Gaethje fight for the status of number one competition. However, one of the scouser's countrymen believes that 'The Baddy' should do what he can do to avoid that booking.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Michael Bisping says that Justin Gaethje could be the first to defeat Paddy Pimblett in the UFC
During a video that was uploaded to his YouTube channel, Michael Bisping broke the current state of affairs in the lightweight title photo after the crowning of Topuria on 28 June.
Bisping has thrown support behind the Pimblett claim on a shot because of the legitimate heat between the Spaniard and the Brit.
Part of the reason for that attitude is apparently the conviction of the ex-mid-weight champion that could slip away the chance for that long-awaited fight if the UFC 'The Baddy' would match against the dangerous Gaethje.
“Paddy Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje … Now we don't know the situation here,” said Bisping. “Gaethje is talking about:” Listen, I want a title fight or I'm going to walk, I'm going to retire. “
“If you (Pimblett) get the chance to jump the border and fight Ilia Topuria, you have to take it. If he goes against Justin Gaethje, chances are he will lose that fight.
“I don't underestimate paddy. I am not s ——- on paddy. I just say that Justin Gaethje is one of the greatest lightweight hunters we have ever seen.”
Paddy Pimblett has already rejected one 'leak' about the potential Justin Gaethje fight
With the thoughts of Bisping in mind, he might have been a bit worried when Dricus du Plessis seemed to Gaethje vs. Pimblett for the Co-Main event of the UFC 319 pay-per-view on August 16.
But although the status of the South African as a headliner for that event convincing many that he believed his claim, 'The Baddy' was quickly closed on social media.
“You are angry if you think I am fighting in August,” wrote Pimblett on X.
With that in mind the next step of Pimblett stays up in the air, while the UFC decides who he should call with the allocation to be Topuria's first lightweight title challenger.