Topuria vs. Pimblett Closer Than You Think?

During a sitdown interview with TNT Sports, Paddy Pimblett discussed what his next fight could be. While a showdown with someone like Justin Gaethje is intriguing, “The Baddy” sees how he stands to benefit from Ilia Topuria defeating Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

“Yeah, that’d be nice,” Pimblett said. “It would, but I was thinking about it the other day, it’s probably better for me if Ilia wins the belt though because he’ll probably call me out. Then, I could just fight him. Maybe I won’t even have to fight Gaethje. I could just end up fighting Topuria, but I don’t know who I would want to win. I’m a fan of Charles, so I think I want Charles to win but it’s probably better for my career if Ilia wins because I’ll more than likely be his first title defense.”

It would certainly be a lucrative title fight if the stars align. Topuria and Pimblett have traded barbs over the years. “The Baddy” even threw a hand sanitizer bottle at “El Matador” during a heated exchange in a hotel back in 2022.