Paddy Pimblett has warned Ilia Topuria he should be stripped of his UFC lightweight title if he fails to return to action by July. Topuria is currently on hiatus due to personal issues following his divorce. Pimblett, who faces Justin Gaethje for the interim belt this weekend in Las Vegas, says the division cannot be put on hold and expects clarity soon.
Pimblett sets deadline
Pimblett told BBC Sport, “Ilia isn’t going to get the same breathing space as Jon Jones. If Ilia is not back by June-July, I think I’ll become undisputed.” He added, “In an ideal world I beat Justin, then beat Ilia for the undisputed title and defend it before the end of the year.”
Topuria, who won the lightweight belt in June, said on social media he plans to return in April or June to face the interim champion.
Interim title fight in Vegas
Pimblett and Gaethje will contest the interim title at UFC 324 on Saturday. Neither fighter is in the top three of the lightweight rankings, but the UFC opted for them due to their popularity. Pimblett is on a seven-fight winning streak, making him one of the division’s biggest draws.
Critics brushed aside
Pimblett dismissed claims that Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira or Max Holloway deserved the title shot. He said, “We don’t know when Topuria is coming back and we can’t hold the division up. There’s been interim belts made for less.”
He added, “They know we aren’t boring. We want to entertain.”
History on the line
Pimblett could become Liverpool’s first UFC champion. Only Tom Aspinall, Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards have won UFC titles from the UK.
Looking ahead to Gaethje, Pimblett said, “I don’t see Justin getting past the third round. He’s a brawler – a boxer with leg kicks – and doesn’t really grapple.”
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