Paddy Pimblett could benefit from Islam Makhachev’s move to the welterweight division.
UFC President Dana White announced this week that Makhachev (27-1 MMA, 16-1 UFC) will vacate the UFC lightweight title he has held since 2022 and move up to 170 pounds to challenge newly crowned champion Jack Della Maddalena.
A fight between former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) and Charles Oliveira (35-10 MMA, 23-10 UFC) for the vacant lightweight strap has been lined up as the main event for UFC 317, scheduled for June 28.
Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC), who has had a somewhat contentious relationship with Topuria since their altercation ahead of UFC London in 2022, believes the shake-up at lightweight brings him closer to a title opportunity at 155 pounds.
He expects a No. 1 contender fight against Justin Gaethje could be next, but Pimblett isn’t ruling out an immediate title shot—especially if Topuria walks away from UFC 317 with gold around his waist.
"It's probably better for me if Ilia wins the belt, because he'll probably call me out," Pimblett told TNT Sports. "Then I could just fight him. I don't even have to fight Gaethje. I could just end up fighting Topuria. But I don't know who I want to win. I'm a fan of Charles, so I think I want Charles to win, but probably better for my career if Ilia wins, because I'll more than likely be his first title defense."
Pimblett is coming off the biggest win of his career. The Liverpudlian dominated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler at UFC 314 before finishing him in the third round. He now expects a high-profile matchup against Justin Gaethje (26-5 MMA, 9-5 UFC) to be his next fight.
"I know for a fact if I beat Gaethje, I'm next in line," Pimblett said. "Definitely. It could be (the next fight). It just if he says yeah or not. Because he's fighting down the rankings again.
"Abu Dhabi. October. That pay-per-view. That's when I want to fight. That's what I'll be gearing towards. After what I've done to (Michael) Chandler, I think I finish Justin Gaethje."
