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Paddy Pimblett claims he could become undisputed UFC champion without facing Ilia Topuria

Originally posted on HITC | By Harvey Leonard | Last updated Dec 14, 2025 3:27 PM ET

Paddy Pimblett is not focused on just one route to the lightweight belt.

The No. 5-ranked fighter in the division is training for an interim title shot, set for January at UFC 324.

He is set to face Justin Gaethje in the first main event of 2026, which also marks the start of the Paramount+ era. The bout will be for an interim title due to champion Ilia Topuria’s absence.

‘El Matador’ had been expected back early in 2026 for his first lightweight title defence, but personal matters outside of MMA have led him to step away from the sport for a while.

Dana White has said that once Topuria returns, either Pimblett or Gaethje will unify the titles. But ‘The Baddy’ believes that if Topuria waits too long, he could lose his championship before ever stepping into another fight.

Paddy Pimblett thinks Topuria could give up the UFC lightweight belt

Pimblett has kept his focus on Topuria throughout 2025, looking to build off their bad blood and previous face-off inside the Octagon at UFC 317 to push for a title fight.

In that context, the Spaniard has openly supported Pimblett in his upcoming fight with Gaethje, hoping for a chance to finally settle things with the Briton.

If ‘The Baddy’ comes out on top at UFC 324, he believes Topuria will only have a few months to make a return before being forced to give up the belt. That could open the door for the Englishman to be recognised as the undisputed champion without ever fighting him.

“He’s got a lot going on in his personal life. I wish him nothing but the best,” Pimblett said during an interview with ESPN Deportes’ Carlos Contreras Legaspi.

“That has got nothing to do with me and him fighting. That’s his family, and I hope everything goes well. I hope that goes perfectly for him. All I care about is getting him in that octagon and fighting him.

“But you never know, if he doesn’t come back by June, July, then he might have to vacate his belt. I’ll become undisputed champion without even fighting.”

Paddy Pimblett confident of finishing Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

Pimblett knows he cannot look past his next opponent. Before any talk of a unification bout with Topuria can get serious, he has to take care of business against Gaethje.

The Liverpool native goes into the fight full of confidence, especially after his convincing win over Michael Chandler back in April.

Speaking to CoinPoker, Pimblett was clear in his prediction for how the fight will end.

“Someone’s getting finished. One hundred percent, that’s not going to the judges. I’m feeling great. I can’t wait. Gaethje is a legend and to be able to share the cage with him is an honour.

“But that all gets put to one side when I actually get in the cage with him and I have to put a beatdown on him,” he concluded.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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