“War On The Feet” – Paddy Pimblett Eyes Charles Oliveira Fight to Bounce Back from Justin Gaethje Loss

Paddy Pimblett turns his attention towards newly crowned BMF champion Charles Oliveira for redemption after UFC 324 loss.

“War On The Feet” – Paddy Pimblett Eyes Charles Oliveira Fight to Bounce Back from Justin Gaethje Loss

Paddy Pimblett sets his eyes on Charles Oliveira (via BBC, Instagram)

In Short
  • Charles Oliveira won the BMF title at UFC 326, defeating Max Holloway and reestablishing his position in the lightweight division.
  • Paddy Pimblett, after losing to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, is targeting Oliveira for a potential fight, suggesting it could be a striking contest.
  • Oliveira aims for a shot at the undisputed lightweight title, despite a previous loss to champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.

The lightweight division recently witnessed the resurgence of Charles Oliveira at UFC 326. The Brazilian fan favorite delivered a commanding performance to capture the BMF title from Max Holloway, reestablishing himself as in the division. Despite the victory, speculation has quickly emerged about his next step. Among the names entering the conversation is former interim title challenger Paddy Pimblett.

Pimblett entered a high-stakes bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 with the interim lightweight title on the line. The Liverpool native faced one of the division’s most experienced contenders in a five-round main event. After a grueling contest that went the distance, Gaethje secured a unanimous decision victory. The fight marked the Liverpudlian’s first loss in the UFC after a lengthy nine-fight win streak

Oliveira delivered a commanding grappling display at UFC 326, defeating Max Holloway to avenge their 2015 meeting and capture the BMF title. The victory added another notable achievement to Oliveira’s résumé. However, the result also sparked discussion about the legitimacy of the BMF belt within the division. For Pimblett, the outcome presented a clear opportunity to target Oliveira as his next opponent.

If I fought Charles we probably would end up having a war on the feet. Everyone goes on about his grappling. Everyone thinks it’s levels above mine, and I know it isn’t.

Paddy Pimblett via YouTube

Oliveira has been vocal about pursuing a shot at the undisputed lightweight title and hinted at leapfrogging higher-ranked contenders after winning the BMF belt. The Brazilian star’s ambitions have positioned him near the top of the division. However, he previously suffered a decisive loss to champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. That defeat makes a matchup against Pimblett a logical next step for ‘Do Bronx’.

Pimblett has suggested that a potential bout with Oliveira could largely play out as a striking contest. He indicated he would aim to keep the Brazilian standing, something Holloway struggled to do at UFC 326. However, Oliveira is a dangerous striker with proven knockout power. His record includes stoppage victories over Beneil Dariush and Michael Chandler, showing a skill set beyond his BJJ credentials.

While Paddy Pimblett lost to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, he displayed notable durability and reinforced his reputation as one of the division’s most powerful fighters. His ability to withstand pressure highlighted his toughness and skill progression. A potential matchup with Charles Oliveira would present a different challenge, with Oliveira’s grappling and knockout threat contrasting Pimblett’s striking approach.

Paddy Pimblett weighs in on Justin Gaethje vs Ilia Topuria at UFC White House

The UFC has officially announced its White House event, branded as Freedom 250, set for June 14, 2026, on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, D.C. The historic card will be headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between undisputed champion Ilia Topuria and interim champion Justin Gaethje, marking the first professional sporting event staged at the presidential residence.

Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje (via X)

Having faced Gaethje at UFC 324, Paddy Pimblett directly experienced the striking power of the veteran lightweight. Gaethje’s aggressive pace highlighted the level of threat at the top of the division. Topuria similarly possesses knockout power, having finished Max Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski. Pimblett recently weighed in on the UFC White House headliner, assessing how the matchup could unfold.

That’s a scrap, they’re going to come out and try to take each other’s heads off… It could go either way, anyone can beat anyone and in the White House he’s (Gaethje) probably going to have a bit more motivation to go out there and win.

Paddy Pimblett via his YouTube Channel

Topuria and Paddy Pimblett have a history dating back to a brawl at a London hotel in 2022. Since then, both fighters have exchanged constant callouts and trash talk. The rivalry has become one of the division’s most talked-about storylines. As the June 14th White House event nears, it remains to be seen who will come out on top as the undisputed champion between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje.

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