Peter van den Berg-Imagn Images

Paddy Pimblett plots ‘biggest fight UFC can make’ after Jon Jones retirement

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Donagh Corby | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 7:51 PM ET

Paddy Pimblett believes no fight can be bigger than his shot at Ilia Topuria’s lightweight title, particularly after Jon Jones’ retirement.

The fast-rising Scouser announced himself as a serious contender with a vicious beatdown of Michael Chandler back at UFC 314 in April. He is now arguably one fight away – if even that – from a world title fight, which could end a years-long feud with Topuria.

And with Jones’ attempt to come out of retirement being shot down by Dana White, it appears that Pimblett and Topuria are heading towards being the biggest stars in the UFC. As such, their fight could be a monumental pay-per-view hit, particularly with a new broadcast deal on the way for next year.

Paddy Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria fight will be biggest in UFC

Paddy Pimblett is well aware of his spot as the fastest-rising star in a UFC that desperately needs one. And directly in parallel to his increasing following has been the success of his rival Ilia Topuria, who has become a two-weight world champion.

“Now that Jon Jones is retired, I think it’s the biggest fight the UFC can make,” Pimblett told One-on-One MMA. “Now there’s no Jon Jones and they can’t do him and Tom [Aspinall], so it wouldn’t surprise me if I’ve got the belt in six to 12 months.”

There seems to be a belief that Pimblett might need just one more fight to prove his mettle as a top contender. And he would rather face the legendary Justin Gaethje as opposed to controversial contender Arman Tsarukyan.

Dana White wasn’t a fan of Pimblett and Topuria’s face-off at UFC 317

Unfortunately, the pair appear to have hit a bit of a stumbling block as Dana White seems to be far from keen on the fight happening next. He didn’t enjoy their octagon face-off at UFC 317 last month, and insisted the bout isn’t next.

“I don’t know who the hell let him in there; that should have never happened,” White told media in Las Vegas during the post-fight press conference. “I was already back in my room or that would have never happened…

“The thing is, [Topuria’s] wife and kid were in the Octagon. It shouldn’t happen… It was a bad call by whoever let him in there.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: