Paddy Pimblett is starting to prepare for his next fight in the UFC and he’s hinting at an opponent and an announcement coming soon.
With a perfect 6-0 record in the UFC, the 29-year-old Liverpool native has been pushing for a higher ranked opponent and it sounds like he might get his wish. While he didn’t name drop any particular opponent, Pimblett definitely teased one possibility — at least based on his choice of words.
“Nice end to the year to be honest,’ Pimblett said on his YouTube channel. “I’m in good shape, about 84, 85 kilos. People have been speculating about who I’m fighting, this and that. I’m coming for that belt. So I’m looking for higher ranked fighters and I’m sure you’ll see a fight announcement soon enough.
“I’ve said yeah, the opponent said yeah, just need to get stuff signed. So you know the score everyone. Like, comment and subscribe and I’ll see you at the top.”
Pimblett saying “I’ll see you at the top” immediately leads to speculation that he’s hinting at a potential showdown with one-time UFC lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler, who regularly uses that catchphrase during interviews and on social media.
Chandler last appeared at UFC 309 where he dropped a unanimous decision to Charles Oliveira in a rematch after sitting out for two years while waiting for a matchup against Conor McGregor that never happened.
Pimblett never mentioned Chandler by name, but it’s easy to read between the lines with what he said in the video. For what it’s worth, Chandler hasn’t been booked again since his fight in November so he’s free and clear to compete again and the same goes for Pimblett.
Pimblett took things one step further when he eliminated one possible opponent from the list when he addressed Polish lightweight contender Mateusz Gamrot, who last fought this past August when he lost a razor-close split decision to Dan Hooker.
“Everyone thinks I’m fighting Gamrot,” Pimblett said. “Don’t think the UFC would put me against a fighter like Gamrot who just sniffs balls.”
There’s no official word from the UFC about Pimblett’s next fight, but he’s already gearing up to start his training camp, which likely means a return being targeted for early 2025.
Is it Pimblett versus Chandler or Pimblett against someone else? Only time will tell.
