While several rumors have surfaced on undisputed UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria’s next opponent, a grudge match with Paddy Pimblett has begun to heat up. A recent social media post from Pimblett (23-3), aimed at Topuria (17-0), has only fueled the anticipation of a potential matchup.
Given their history and animosity toward one another, there is sure to be plenty of build-up and interest. However, former interim UFC lightweight title holder Dustin Poirier made his case on why the fight could be premature.
“I gotta see Paddy win another big one,” Poirier told MMA Fighting. “I don’t think he’s in the title shot yet. He’s got a big name, and it would do big numbers. He’s cutting his teeth, and he’s earning his stripes. But, one more big win.”
Pimblett’s most recent outing not enough?
“The Baddy” dominated Michael Chandler in a third-round TKO win at UFC 314 in April. The English native landed a whopping 121 total strikes, compared to Chandler’s 20 total.
Since then, Pimblett has moved up to No. 6 on UFC’s lightweight rankings. Following his UFC debut in 2021, Pimblett has won seven consecutive fights. Although his victory over Chandler was one-sided, Poirier pointed out to “Iron’s” previous outings. He had lost four of his last five fights. The loss against Pimblett was also his third consecutive defeat.
“On the record, the way Michael’s last five, six fights have been going,” said Poirier. “I don’t think that grants you a title shot. With the former opponents he beat. If he had a couple of other big wins in there, maybe so. But I want to see Paddy in one more high-level fight. Then we can talk about a title shot for him.”
