Paddy Pimblett's Next Fight: Who's 'The Baddy' Targeting After His Big Win?
The mixed martial arts world is buzzing with anticipation as fans eagerly await news on Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett's next move. Following a spectacular performance and a pivotal victory, the Liverpool native has firmly cemented his place among the UFC's elite lightweight contenders. With his recent triumph still fresh in everyone's minds, speculation is rife about who the charismatic Englishman will face next and when he'll step back into the octagon. The "Paddy Pimblett next fight" news is expected to drop in the coming weeks, and while we wait, let's delve into the potential opponents and the exciting future that lies ahead for "The Baddy."
The Road So Far: A Look at Paddy's Recent Triumph
Paddy Pimblett recently delivered one of the most significant performances of his career, securing a stunning knockout win over veteran Michael Chandler. This highly anticipated lightweight clash took place at UFC 314, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida, where it served as the co-main event. Pimblett's emphatic victory over a seasoned opponent like Chandler was a definitive statement, showcasing his evolving skills and his undeniable power. Prior to this fight, Pimblett boasted an impressive 6-0 UFC record, and this TKO win further solidified his standing, pushing his overall MMA record to 22-3. This win was not just another notch on his belt; it was a springboard, propelling him into the UFC's top 15 lightweight rankings and, more importantly, positioning him for a shot at the division's upper echelon.
The win over Chandler was crucial for Pimblett, who has consistently shown star potential since joining the UFC. His charismatic personality, coupled with his exciting fighting style, has garnered him a legion of devoted fans worldwide. This victory proved he can deliver against top-tier competition, silencing any doubters and setting the stage for a significant step up in opposition.
Who's Next for 'The Baddy'? Exploring Potential Opponents
With the Michael Chandler chapter emphatically closed, the immediate question on everyone's mind is: who will be Paddy Pimblett's next opponent? Following his UFC 314 victory, it's widely expected that "The Baddy" will face a Top 5 lightweight contender. Pimblett himself has been vocal about his aspirations, eyeing a clash that could directly lead to a UFC lightweight title shot. Here are some of the names that have been thrown into the mix:
The Dream Matchup: Justin Gaethje
Perhaps the most intriguing and frequently discussed opponent for Paddy Pimblett is none other than the "Human Highlight Reel," Justin Gaethje. Pimblett has openly called out Gaethje, specifically targeting a fight in October 2025, with the explicit goal of earning a shot at the UFC lightweight title. He even believes he could bypass other contenders if he secures this high-profile bout.
However, the path to a Gaethje fight isn't straightforward. Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, has revealed that Justin Gaethje is considering retirement if he is denied a UFC title shot, effectively dismissing rumors of a fight with Paddy Pimblett. Gaethje himself has expressed similar sentiments in interviews, indicating his focus is solely on championship gold. This creates a fascinating dynamic: Pimblett sees Gaethje as his ticket to the top, while Gaethje might view Pimblett as a step down from his championship aspirations. This standoff makes the potential clash all the more compelling, should the stars align.
Elite Contenders: Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria
Beyond Justin Gaethje, Paddy Pimblett has also linked himself with other formidable names in the lightweight division, namely Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria. Both are considered among the very best at 155 pounds and represent the kind of elite competition Pimblett is seeking to prove his championship readiness. A win over either Oliveira, a former lightweight champion known for his dangerous submissions, or Topuria, an undefeated rising star with devastating striking, would undoubtedly catapult Pimblett into immediate title contention. These are the types of matchups that truly test a fighter's mettle and establish their legacy.
The Overlooked Challenger: Arman Tsarukyan
While Pimblett has been busy calling out top-tier names, he has also been equally vocal about who he is *not* interested in fighting. Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked as the No. 1 lightweight contender, has openly shot his shot at Pimblett, expressing a desire for a fight. However, Pimblett has publicly shut down the idea, dismissing Tsarukyan as "irrelevant" in a May 2025 BBC Sport interview. This stance from Pimblett indicates his clear focus on opponents he believes will directly lead to a title shot, rather than engaging with challengers he perceives as not being on his immediate path to gold.
The Dark Horse: Mateusz Gamrot
Another name that has emerged as a potential opponent is Polish MMA star Mateusz Gamrot. Following an impressive victory of his own, Gamrot wasted no time in calling for a fight with Paddy Pimblett. The 34-year-old didn't mince words, directly challenging "The Baddy." While perhaps not as high-profile as a Gaethje or Oliveira fight, a matchup with Gamrot would still represent a significant challenge for Pimblett, as Gamrot is a highly skilled and durable wrestler with a strong ground game.
The Top 5 Mandate
Ultimately, the consensus among analysts and Pimblett's own team is that his next fight will be against a Top 5 lightweight contender. His emphatic win over Michael Chandler has earned him this right, and anything less would be seen as a step backward from his stated goal of fighting for the title. The options listed above—Gaethje, Oliveira, Topuria, and even a highly-ranked Gamrot—all fit this criterion, setting the stage for a truly significant bout.
When Can We Expect 'The Baddy' Back in Action?
Paddy Pimblett has been quite transparent about his targeted return date. He has revealed plans to fight in October 2025. This timeframe aligns with his ambition to secure a major fight that could lead to a title shot before the year is out. While the exact date and venue are yet to be officially announced, the October target gives fans a clear window to anticipate his return to the octagon. This also suggests that the "Paddy Pimblett next fight news" should indeed arrive in the next few weeks, as the UFC will need ample time to promote such a high-stakes event.
The Stakes: Chasing Gold
For Paddy Pimblett, his next fight isn't just about another win; it's about making a definitive statement and earning a shot at the UFC lightweight title. He has openly stated his desire to fight for the belt in October, and his call-outs reflect this ambition. Whether he faces Justin Gaethje, Charles Oliveira, or another top contender, the stakes will be incredibly high. A victory in his next bout against a highly-ranked opponent would undeniably solidify his position as a legitimate title challenger, bringing him one step closer to achieving his dream of becoming a UFC champion.
Final Summary
Paddy "The Baddy" Pimblett is at a pivotal point in his career following his impressive TKO victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. With his sights set on an October 2025 return, Pimblett is actively pursuing a fight against a Top 5 lightweight contender, with Justin Gaethje being his primary target for a direct path to a title shot. While Gaethje's camp has expressed reservations, other elite names like Charles Oliveira and Ilia Topuria remain potential opponents. Pimblett has dismissed Arman Tsarukyan as irrelevant to his immediate goals, indicating his clear focus on high-stakes matchups. The anticipation for the official announcement of "The Baddy's" next opponent and fight date is at an all-time high, as the charismatic Liverpudlian looks to continue his ascent towards UFC lightweight gold.
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