The UFC lightweight division is currently buzzing with anticipation, as Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria seem destined for an electrifying clash that could redefine the landscape at 155 pounds. While no official bout has been announced, both fighters’ recent performances, candid interviews, and training updates have set the stage for what fans and pundits alike are calling a potential blockbuster showdown.
Paddy Pimblett, the charismatic Liverpudlian known as "The Baddy," has been on a remarkable run since joining the UFC. Undefeated in the promotion with a seven-fight win streak, Pimblett most recently showcased his evolving arsenal at UFC 314 in April 2025, where he dismantled former title challenger Michael Chandler with a relentless barrage of elbows and punches. That victory not only cemented his status as a legitimate contender but also propelled him to the seventh spot in the lightweight rankings.
Since his win over Chandler, Pimblett has been something of a globe-trotter, spending only about three weeks in England as he traveled through Dubai, Cyprus, the United States, and even made a brief return home before jetting off again. But now, as of early September 2025, he’s back in Liverpool, settling into a rigorous training routine with his longtime team. Coach Paul Rimmer expressed relief at having his star pupil back in the gym, emphasizing, “Good to have Paddy back in. He’s only just starting really, so we’re not overdoing anything—just doing a bit of volume, getting him back to it, managing all the injuries that we dealt with in the past with a bit of work as well. We’re not rushing anything at the moment.”
Pimblett’s focus has shifted sharply to improving his striking—a facet of his game he openly admits is lagging behind his grappling prowess. In a recent YouTube video, Pimblett was candid about his current form: “Five rounds in the bag there. My striking timing doesn’t feel there at the minute, to be honest. Last week my striking timing felt good. And I done five rounds with Luke. So, it’s just I probably woke up on the wrong side of the bed today. Obviously, I’ve got to get that striking timing better if I’m fighting El Chorizo (Ilia Topuria). That’s a lot of what I’m going to work on.”
That sort of self-awareness is what makes Pimblett both endearing and dangerous. He’s never shied away from spotlighting his weaknesses, and now, with the specter of Topuria looming, he’s determined to close the gap. “I’ve got to get that striking timing better if I’m fighting El Chorizo. That’s a lot of what I’m going to work on,” he reiterated, referencing Topuria by his playful nickname. But while his hands may need sharpening, Pimblett’s confidence in his grappling remains sky-high.
In fact, Pimblett has drawn a bold comparison between his ground game and that of UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, who recently dominated Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 with a record-setting 12 takedowns and over 21 minutes of suffocating top control. “My grappling always feels phenomenal,” Pimblett explained. “As you see in them rounds, when I get people on the floor, they don’t get up. I smother people, like Khamzat against DDP at the weekend. Once I get you down and I’m on top of you and I’m smiling—you know you’re not getting up, lad. I’m controlling you. I’m making you feel my weight, and making you feel some shots at the same time.”
That’s not just bravado. Over five years in the UFC, Pimblett has racked up three submission victories, routinely using his grappling to neutralize and finish opponents. His ability to turn scrambles into submission opportunities is well documented, and he’s quick to point out that his style, while reminiscent of Chimaev’s relentless wrestling, thrives on chaos and creativity on the mat. “When I get on top of someone, you’re not getting up,” he declared.
On the other side of this potential super-fight stands Ilia Topuria, the undefeated Spanish-Georgian phenom who captured the vacant lightweight crown in June 2025 at UFC 317 with a stunning first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira. Topuria, nicknamed "El Matador," has built a reputation as one of the UFC’s most fearsome strikers, boasting six knockouts in his nine-fight career. His move up from featherweight to lightweight has only amplified his aura of invincibility, with wins over elite names like Alexander Volkanovski, Max Holloway, and Oliveira cementing his status as a pound-for-pound threat.
Topuria’s ascent has left the division scrambling for answers. While Arman Tsarukyan, currently ranked number two, is set to headline UFC Fight Night Qatar against Dan Hooker in November 2025—a bout that may delay his own title ambitions—Pimblett has emerged as the most intriguing challenger, both for his fighting style and his ability to draw massive fan interest. The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria has simmered since the latter’s title win, with both men exchanging barbs and callouts in interviews and online.
Despite the mounting excitement, nothing is set in stone. Pimblett’s next fight remains unconfirmed, though his team is preparing for a December 2025 or January 2026 date—timing that aligns perfectly with the UFC’s new broadcast deal with Paramount, set to launch in January. As Pimblett put it, “We’re building towards it, waiting, trying to find out. When we know, you will know.” Coach Rimmer added, “Hopefully some big fight news coming soon.”
For now, the MMA world is left to speculate. Could Pimblett’s submission-savvy, scramble-heavy grappling be the kryptonite to Topuria’s clinical striking? Or will "El Matador" continue his reign of terror with another highlight-reel finish? Even Topuria himself has said he’d accept a fight with Pimblett without any special demands, making the bout tantalizingly easy to book if the UFC decides to pull the trigger.
One thing’s for sure: the anticipation is palpable. With Pimblett working tirelessly to shore up his striking and Topuria waiting in the wings as the division’s kingpin, the lightweight division is perched on the edge of a new era. Fans are already dreaming of the fireworks that a Pimblett-Topuria showdown could deliver, and with both men in their primes, the timing couldn’t be better.
As the end of 2025 approaches, all eyes remain fixed on the UFC’s matchmaking desk. Whether it’s in Abu Dhabi, Las Vegas, or another global stage, the potential for a Pimblett vs. Topuria title fight has the sport abuzz. Until the official word drops, fighters and fans alike will be watching every update, every training clip, and every social media post, waiting for the moment when these two dynamic lightweights finally collide.
