Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria vs. Alexander Volkanovski 2 will headline UFC 314 in Miami, and he’s looking to get on the undercard.
It’s been a while since we’ve gotten any fight news out of Paddy Pimblett, and we still have no official announcement on when the Liverpudlian star will return. But we do know now what he’d like to happen.
Pimblett’s last win over King Green in July 2024 launched him up to the No. 12 spot at lightweight, and following a break to spend time with his newborn twins he’s hoping to continue that climb in April at UFC 314.
“I always tell people not to take notice of any of them stupid Twitter pages, they just talk absolute pony,” he told Liverpool F.C. podcast Blood Red of recent fight rumors. “They just do anything for clicks. But I’m hoping to fight on UFC 314. Miami. Never been to Miami so I’m hoping to fight on that, that’s my plan.”
“I’ve heard Ilia’s headlining the 314 event against Volk, but you don’t know til something’s finalized with UFC,” Pimblett added. “Like, I’ve been told this and that in the last few weeks, last few months, we’ll just see what happens.”
That’s something Bo Nickal has heard as well, but is it signed and sealed? We wouldn’t consider it thus until the UFC officially announces it.
“I want to fight in Miami, then Abu Dhabi in October,” Pimblett said. “That’s the plan, and if I can get it, I hope I can. Beat this opponent, top 8 opponent. Beat someone in the top 5. Then fight for the belt. Islam might be gone by then, he might be retired. We’ll see what happens.”
Top 8 is a very specific number — Mateusz Gamrot is currently ranked No. 8 at lightweight, and Michael Chandler is ranked No. 7. Could it be down to those two? We know which fight is sexier, which means we expect the promotion goes for Paddy vs. Gamrot instead. Prove us wrong, matchmakers!
On the plus side, Gamrot would be a much tougher opponent for Pimblett, and a good way for “The Baddy” to prove he’s a contender. Lots of people still question whether he’s legit, but we’re done doubting this man after that performance against King Green.