Paddy Pimblett hasn’t had a fight since April, but through other results going his way he continues to climb the UFC rankings.
The Scouse star’s victory over Michael Chandler back at UFC 314 was enough to land him the division’s number nine spot. Since then, he has slowly risen through the ranks. Losses to Mateusz Gamrot (and most recently Dan Hooker) have helped him reach fifth place.
Pimblett is expected to face Ilia TOPURIA for the lightweight championship next year, despite his three recent wins against fighters in a losing streak. He is one of the promotion’s biggest stars, and has a built-in feud dating back around half a decade with the champion.
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Paddy Pimblett is still rising through the ranks
Paddy Pimblett, a former Bellator title-holder and former title contender, put on a performance of a lifetime in Miami in April. He was able to make it into the top 10, but was still a long way away from a title shot.
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He was expected to fight either Charles Oliveira, or Justin Gaethje in a top contender match later in the season. Pimblett was a contender until Ilia topuria won lightweight and Islam Makhachev left.
As he continues to rise in the rankings without ever having a fight, it appears that he will continue to do so as long as every result goes his way. Now that he is in the top five rankings, a fight with Topuria makes perfect sense.
Fans confused by Paddy Pimblett’s improving ranking
The continued improvement in Pimblett’s ranking seems to be baffling supporters, who have noted that his opponents are not necessarily worth that impressive of a top five spot.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC through Getty Images
“How does he break into the top 5?”″He’s only beaten washed Michael Chandler who’s 2-5 in… “He’s only beaten washed Michael Chandler who’s 2-5 in…
2025-11-24 20:00:00

