UFC standout Paddy Pimblett has addressed recent comments made by middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, who asserted that Pimblett was scheduled to compete against Justin Gaethje in the co-main event at UFC 319.
Pimblett`s position within the UFC lightweight title picture was further highlighted by his faceoff with new lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. The long-standing rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria intensified after Topuria secured the championship by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round.
Pimblett is one of several prominent lightweights who could potentially challenge Topuria for his first title defense. Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje were also in attendance at UFC 317 when Topuria captured the vacant belt.
Recently, Dricus du Plessis generated significant buzz by stating that he had heard rumors of a Pimblett vs. Gaethje bout being planned as the co-main event for UFC 319.
Pimblett Responds to Gaethje Fight Rumors for UFC 319
A matchup between Pimblett and Gaethje could be a logical contender elimination fight. However, it appears the UFC may have alternative plans for Tsarukyan`s next appearance in the Octagon, and Gaethje recently suggested he might retire if he isn`t given a title shot.
Following du Plessis’s remarks, the speculation spread rapidly online. Gaethje himself has not publicly commented on the rumors since his victory over Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313 earlier this year.
Pimblett, however, was quick to address the UFC 319 rumors amidst the excitement surrounding his potential next fight.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Pimblett directly responded to du Plessis`s claim, writing, “Yous are mad if you think I’m fighting in August [LAUGHS],” effectively dismissing the possibility of a fight happening that soon.
As of now, the UFC has not made any official announcements regarding the next opponents for either Pimblett or Gaethje. Following the heated exchange between Pimblett and Topuria at UFC 317, UFC CEO Dana White seemed hesitant about booking Pimblett as Topuria`s immediate first challenger.
Pimblett`s victory over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 earlier this year propelled him into the lightweight Top 10. He remains undefeated in his UFC career, with notable recent wins against Tony Ferguson, Bobby Green, and Jared Gordon.
Tsarukyan served as the backup fighter for UFC 317 after unexpectedly withdrawing from his scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev at UFC 311 at the last minute. A potential clash with fellow Top 5 contender Dan Hooker is also being discussed, particularly after their recent back-and-forth on social media.
Arman Tsarukyan Views Topuria as an “Easier Fight” Compared to Oliveira
As Tsarukyan prepares for his return to the Octagon, he made a noteworthy claim about the new UFC lightweight champion. Tsarukyan stated that preparing for Charles Oliveira was a more difficult task than he anticipates preparing for a potential fight with Ilia Topuria.
Tsarukyan`s most recent fight was his win over Oliveira at UFC 300 last year. He is currently riding a four-fight winning streak, which includes recent finishes of Beneil Dariush and Joaquim Silva.
In contrast to past compliments he had given the former champion, Pimblett described Oliveira`s performance at UFC 317 as “embarrassing and amateur.”
The UFC`s lightweight division is currently a focal point of discussion at the top of the rankings. With Ilia Topuria beginning his reign as champion, numerous contenders are positioning themselves for an opportunity to challenge for the belt.
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