Paddy Pimblett, the rising star of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) hailing from Liverpool, recently voiced his hopes regarding the highly anticipated matchup between Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira, set to unfold at UFC 317. The outcome of this bout could have significant implications not only for Pimblett’s career trajectory but also for the title landscape within the lightweight division. Pimblett expressed a particular interest in observing how this contest plays out, as it could very well determine his next steps in the octagon.
In a candid interview with TNT Sports, Pimblett shared his perspective on the impending fight, suggesting that a victory for Topuria might align better with his aspirations. “I was thinking about it the other day, it’s probably better if Ilia wins the belt, because he’ll probably call me out and then I could just fight him,” he stated. This statement hints at Pimblett’s desire to avoid the obstacle of facing another high-caliber opponent, Justin Gaethje, suggesting that his optimal path may lead through a championship challenge directly against Topuria. He acknowledged his admiration for Oliveira, mentioning, “I’m a fan of Charles so I think I want Charles to win, but it would probably be better for my career if Ilia wins, because I’ll probably be his first title defense.”
As Pimblett envisions his future, he remains focused on a return to the very arena where he achieved a pivotal victory over Dustin Chandler. His ambition is to contend for a title soon, ideally setting up a showdown with the winner of Topuria versus Oliveira. “Hopefully, Miami again next year! Beat Justin Gaethje and fight whoever’s got the belt in April in Miami,” he said, indicating his desire to establish a repeat performance in a venue that seems to serve as his lucky charm. He underscored the gravity of a potential fight against Topuria by claiming that, apart from the matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, it could be the most significant fight the UFC could organize. The history and animosity between the fighters add a compelling dynamic that fans would certainly relish.
Pimblett’s confidence doesn’t waver, and he even speculated about the outcome of the Topuria-Oliveira fight. He observed that Topuria might have the upper hand, remarking on Oliveira’s previous vulnerabilities in the octagon. “Charles is a bit chinny. He’s had about 40 fights or something, he always gets punched, he always gets cracked,” he noted, perhaps alluding to Oliveira’s past struggles with fighters who can capitalize on his defensive lapses. However, he was quick to add that Oliveira’s grappling skills could turn the tide—if he manages to take Topuria down, the dynamic of the fight could shift significantly. “He is proper exciting; if he gets him down, I can see him winning because that 10 pounds difference is a big difference,” he remarked, referencing the shift in weight classes and the importance it holds in combat sports.
For followers and enthusiasts of mixed martial arts, Pimblett’s insights shed light on the intricacies involved in fight strategy and the psychology of competition. His eagerness to establish himself as a leading contender within the lightweight division is palpable, and the build-up to UFC 317 is fraught with potential. As fans eagerly await the clash of Topuria and Oliveira, Pimblett’s aspirations rest heavily on the outcome, illustrating both the competitive spirit and the interconnected nature of fighters’ fates in the high-stakes world of the UFC.
Pimblett, in summary, is positioned at a critical juncture in his career, hoping for favorable outcomes that align with his own goals while remaining a respectful admirer of his potential future opponents. The excitement leading to significant clashes like Topuria versus Oliveira contributes to the rich narrative of the UFC, where implications extend far beyond the individual bouts themselves. Fans are left to ponder how the fighters’ journeys intertwine, creating a web of stories that defines the sport.