Islam Makhachev isn’t sold on Paddy Pimblett’s title aspirations — and he’s not shy about saying it.
The former UFC lightweight champion recently weighed in on the future of Ilia Topuria, who currently holds the lightweight belt after knocking out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. While many fans have been pushing for a showdown between Topuria and the undefeated Paddy Pimblett, Makhachev doesn’t believe “The Baddy” belongs anywhere near a title fight.
“I feel Arman [Tsarukyan] has to be next because this guy deserves it,” Makhachev told ESPN. “Maybe Arman, maybe Gaethje, but not Paddy, for sure.”
Makhachev pointed out that Tsarukyan, despite previous setbacks due to injury, remains the top contender at 155. Pimblett, on the other hand, hasn’t faced elite-level competition yet. “Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson? Who else he beat?” Makhachev said dismissively. “He can do some things, but I don’t see a big chance. Arman is a really big deal. Paddy, nobody checked Paddy before.”
Makhachev, who’s set to face welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, is currently chasing two-division glory. Still, he hasn’t ruled out a future clash with Topuria — possibly even at the historic White House event rumored to be in the works.
“For the MMA community, it’s going to be a big fight,” Makhachev said. “People want this fight and if UFC wants this fight, then we can do this. … I know UFC wants to do some big fight in White House. Which fight is going to be bigger than this?”
For now, Makhachev’s message is clear — Pimblett’s rise may make headlines, but it hasn’t earned him a spot at the table with the division’s elite.
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