Paddy Pimblett has finally spoken out following a whirlwind of speculation about his next UFC fight — rumors fueled by middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis, who appeared to leak the Brit’s return date and opponent.
Pimblett hasn’t fought since his dominant performance against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in Miami, where he stopped the fan favorite in brutal fashion. But now the spotlight has shifted to what’s next — and when.
During a recent interview in Dubai, Du Plessis told Ahmed Amwell that the UFC 319 card on August 16, which will see him defend his title against Khamzat Chimaev, would also feature Pimblett vs. Justin Gaethje as the co-main event. “It’s gonna be a big card,” he said. “The co-main event is Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje.”
Those comments spread rapidly through the MMA community, sparking excitement — and confusion. However, Pimblett quickly shut down the speculation on social media with a sharp response:
“Yous are mad if you think I’m fighting in August.”
While many fans were hopeful for a clash with Gaethje, others had their sights set on a grudge match years in the making — Pimblett vs. new lightweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Following Topuria’s devastating first-round KO over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the two reignited their feud in a heated face-off cage-side. Security had to intervene after Topuria shoved Pimblett, intensifying talk of a long-awaited showdown between the rivals, who’ve been trading barbs since 2021.
Despite fan excitement, UFC president Dana White was not impressed with the unsanctioned face-off. “I don’t know who the hell let him in there,” White said. “That should’ve never happened. I was already back in my room — or that would’ve never happened.”
White made it clear that Topuria’s next move will not be a grudge match with Pimblett. “That’s not the fight. I don’t care if it’s fun to watch or not — that shouldn’t have happened,” he added, emphasizing that Topuria’s post-fight moment with his wife and child in the cage should have been respected.
As for Pimblett, fans will have to wait a bit longer to find out when “The Baddy” will return — and who will be standing across the Octagon when he does.
