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Paddy Pimblett discloses difficulties landing bouts despite pursuing title shot

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Oct 25, 2025 11:29 AM ET

Paddy Pimblett has been speaking out about his growing frustrations over the uncertainty surrounding his next move.

Ronda Rousey recently highlighted just how much of a mainstream figure ‘The Baddy’ has become since 2021, when he signed with the UFC.

His unbeaten record in the Octagon now stands at 7-0, and it has led to expectations that Pimblett is set for a major bout in his next appearance.

There is growing speculation around a potential title shot against Ilia Topuria, but the Briton is still waiting for official confirmation that this is on the cards.

The issue for him has been that while he waits, many of the division’s other top names have stayed active and busy.

Paddy Pimblett says he’s in ‘limbo’ with Ilia Topuria being the only viable opponent for him

Pimblett admitted to Marca that he is having trouble securing a fight and feels stuck in “limbo” as he waits to hear when he will return to the Octagon.

‘The Baddy’ has continued his rise through the lightweight rankings since his last appearance, but his growing profile and divisional standing have narrowed his options.

While a bout with Ilia Topuria is clearly at the top of his list, the Briton told Marca that he would also be interested in facing Justin Gaethje in a title eliminator at UFC 321.

However, it appears Gaethje’s decision to hold out for a title shot could see him become Topuria’s first challenger in 2026 instead.

With Arman Tsarukyan already booked and Charles Oliveira fighting earlier this month, Pimblett does not see many other realistic options outside of the Spaniard.

“I thought I was going to fight Gaethje in Abu Dhabi in October, but he’s not going to be involved.

“Dan Hooker is going to fight Arman Tsarukyan and Charles [Oliveira] just fought [Mateusz] Gamrot. There’s no one else I can fight, apart from Ilia Topuria, so hopefully that fight will be sorted out,” he told the Spanish outlet.

Ilia Topuria comments on potential January return

Topuria has not fought since June, but with his profile still growing, it would not be surprising to see him back in the cage early in 2026.

Dana White has already mentioned that a January fight is “possible,” and ‘El Matador’ himself addressed the timeline when asked about his plans.

The unbeaten lightweight champion recently revealed that he could end up opening the UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount by putting his title on the line.

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

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