Paddy Pimblett Vows to Make Ilia Topuria ‘Wait’ After Winning Title Against Justin Gaethje

Paddy Pimblett lays out timeline for potential Ilia Topuria fight if he wins the interim title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

Paddy Pimblett Vows to Make Ilia Topuria ‘Wait’ After Winning Title Against Justin Gaethje

Paddy Pimblett denies Ilia Topuria fight immediately after UFC 324 (via MMA Mania)

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One of the major turning points in Paddy Pimblett’s UFC ascent has been his rivalry with lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. What began as a brief scuffle outside a London hotel in 2022 escalated into a sustained and personal feud within the 155-pound division. However, the Liverpudlian has now indicated he is ready to make Topuria wait if he secures the interim title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324.

Speculation emerged that Pimblett could receive a direct title shot against Topuria instead of competing for an interim belt. That belief was fueled by Pimblett’s rapid climb from No. 8 to No. 5 without an active fight, moving ahead of more active contenders. However, the lightweight champion’s recent personal issues sidelined him until mid-2026. The delay prompted the UFC to introduce an interim title fight.

Topuria recently resurfaced on social media, responding to questions about his competitive status and future plans. During those exchanges, he indicated a return window between April and June after his time away. He also clarified that his preferred opponent would be the winner of the interim title fight. That stance set the stage for Pimblett’s response regarding timing and conditions for a unification bout.

He’s not getting me back in April, lad. He’s gonna have to wait, he made me wait, he can wait a few months, April is not happening, lad. Yeah, I’m not fighting in April, lad, he can eat s**t. I’ll fight him in like June or July.

Paddy Pimblett via TMZ Sports

Their rivalry began with a heated altercation at a London hotel during UFC fight week in 2022. After trading insults online, the pair crossed paths in the hotel lobby, where a verbal exchange briefly turned physical before security stepped in. The same animosity resurfaced at UFC 317, when Pimblett entered the Octagon after Topuria’s title win and was shoved by the lightweight champion after a heated interaction.

Pimblett repeatedly called out ‘El Matador’ during that period, even though Topuria was still competing in the featherweight division at the time of their London hotel clash. The exchanges continued as their careers followed separate paths. However, Topuria’s rise was swift, as he captured the featherweight title before moving up. He later claimed the lightweight championship, becoming a two-division titleholder.

Despite the attention surrounding his rivalry, Paddy Pimblett has still logged only seven UFC appearances to date. His activity slowed further last year, when he competed just once and earned a knockout win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314. If that pattern continues, questions could emerge about his long-term availability. Such circumstances may position Pimblett as an inactive figure within the 155-pound division.

Paddy Pimblett wants to recreate 2025 Hall of Fame fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324

The UFC has delivered many bloody battles this decade, but Israel Adesanya vs Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236 stands out. The interim middleweight title fight featured relentless exchanges and visible damage on both fighters over five rounds. Adesanya ultimately earned a unanimous decision victory to claim the interim belt. Its drama and high stakes led to the bout’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2025.

Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 324
Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 (via MMA Fighting)

Paddy Pimblett has expressed interest in a fight that pushes him to his limits, aiming for a true war inside the Octagon. He finds himself matched with Justin Gaethje, who is widely known for delivering high-action, thrilling contests. However, Pimblett recently suggested that ‘The Highlight’ may not be capable of providing the kind of bloody, all-out war he desires.

I want a war. I’ve never had a proper war where we’re both cut and bloodied up. I’d love a fight like Adesanya and Gastelum. But I don’t think Justin Gaethje is the man to give me that. I just can’t see him going past the third round.

Paddy Pimblett via UFC on Paramount

The fight against Gaethje will mark Paddy Pimblett’s second scheduled five-round bout in the UFC. Throughout his UFC career, the Liverpudlian has never reached the fourth round, giving him limited experience in extended contests. Justin Gaethje, by contrast, has significant five-round experience at the championship level. That difference in endurance could be critical when they meet on January 25th.

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