Paddy Pimblett has more than one way to the lightweight throne.
The No. The No.
Pimblett will fight Justin Gaethje in the first main event of 2026 and of the Paramount+ era, as the two battle it out for an interim belt in champion Ilia Topuria’s absence.
Topuria has announced that he will be taking a break from UFC. Topuria was expecting to return in 2026 for his first title defense as a lightweight. However, personal problems away from the Octagon led him to take a hiatus.
Dana White confirmed that either Pimblett or Gaethje will unify the titles when ‘El Matador’ is ready to return, but ‘The Baddy’ thinks the clock is ticking for Topuria to avoid losing the gold without even entering the cage.
LATEST NEWS – Francis Ngannou responds to the PFL heavyweight championship fight that decided his opponent
What would you be surprised by the most in UFC 324’s main event?
Please let us know what you think in the comments.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Share your insights and take part in the debate. Use the comments button on the left side to express your opinion.
Comment
Like or comment
Paddy Pimblett doesn’t rule out Ilia Topuria vacating the UFC lightweight title
Pimblett targeted Topuria throughout 2025. He wanted to take advantage of his animosity towards the champion, and the heated fight in the Octagon during UFC 317, to gain a shot at the title.
Topuria, remembering their past, is rooting against Gaethje for Pimblett, in order to have the opportunity to finally lay…
2025-12-14 14:00:00
