Paddy Pimblett bounced back from his first UFC loss in a giant way on Saturday night.
‘The Baddy’ fell to a unanimous decision defeat after having a five-round war with Justin Gaethje in January.
At UFC 329, Paddy Pimblett got his profession back on target by choking Benoit Saint-Denis out cold in only 52 seconds.
The 31-year-old Englishman named Justin Gaethje, Ilia Topuria, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and Arman Tsarukyan as potential opponents for his next fight within the aftermath of Conor McGregor‘s comeback card.
Who should he face? Let’s rank the fighters Pimblett suggested following UFC 329 from best to worst.
Who should Paddy Pimblett fight next?
Make your pick and explain it within the comments. ⬇️
1. Ilia Topuria
Everyone desires to see Paddy Pimblett finally settle his beef with Ilia Topuria after UFC 329.
The lightweight rivals famously brawled with one another at a hotel ahead of UFC London in 2022.
For the past 4 years, Pimblett and Topuria have been talking up their eventual Octagon showdown.
The one thing standing in the way in which of it happening next is timing. Pimblett hopes to compete another time in 2026, and he doesn’t consider Topuria may have recovered from the injuries Justin Gaethje inflicted on him at UFC Freedom 250 before the tip of the yr.
Topuria’s team says he’ll be able to return in December, so let’s not rule out a Pimblett fight just yet.
2. Charles Oliveira
Paddy Pimblett proved he’s the most effective submission artists in MMA during his latest win.
The 2nd-degree BJJ black belt believes he could do the identical thing he did to Benoit Saint-Denis to Charles Oliveira.
‘Do Bronx’ is a mouthwatering opponent option as essentially the most successful submission artist in UFC history.
Oliveira also holds the BMF belt, which might allow his fight with Pimblett to headline a numbered event.
The Brazilian fan favorite has made it clear he desires to rematch Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title next, but when that fight doesn’t occur, Pimblett looks as if the subsequent most suitable choice.
Who’s the present face of the UFC and why?
Paddy Pimblett has claimed this title following his UFC 329 win
3. Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan is one other lightweight fighter that Paddy Pimblett is currently beefing with.
The primary 155lb contender has been trading insults with Pimblett for the past few years.
Tsarukyan appears to be next in line for a shot at Justin Gaethje, but his inactivity and strained relationship with Dana White may stop that fight from happening.
If the UFC CEO decides Tsarukyan must win another before getting a shot at MMA’s ultimate prize, it makes complete sense to book him against Pimblett in a final eliminator.
4. Justin Gaethje
Justin Gaethje was a reputation mentioned after UFC 329 out of hope greater than expectation.
Paddy Pimblett fought well, but he was the clear loser after they fought just just a few months ago.
It is unnecessary for them to run it back without delay, but don’t rule out their rematch happening in 2027.
5. Max Holloway
Max Holloway sits at the underside of this list because he appears to be on a unique path.
‘Blessed’ ruled himself out of the Paddy Pimblett sweepstakes by revealing his plan to sit down out for the remaining of the yr after UFC 329.
Holloway has also just moved as much as welterweight and has expressed his desire to fight there again, which doesn’t align with Pimblett’s pursuit of lightweight gold.
On paper, Holloway vs. Pimblett is a fun fight, but the fact is we’ll more than likely never see it occur.
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