Paddy Pimblett open to any top lightweight, still likes Ilia Topuria grudge match: ‘I’d love to smash his head in’

Paddy Pimblett is ready to face any elite lightweight contender as he charts his path back toward championship contention. The Irish fighter began 2026 with a disappointing interim title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, but rebounded emphatically at UFC 329, where he dispatched Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds using a Peruvian necktie submission. The victory solidified his top-10 ranking and positioned him for another high-profile matchup.

While attending Katie Taylor's retirement boxing event at Croke Park in Dublin on Saturday—where he also supported teammate Molly McCann—Pimblett spoke to media about his future. When asked about a long-simmering grudge with Ilia Topuria, he remained interested but noncommittal. "I'd love to smash his head in, but we need to wait and see," Pimblett told Eze Talks Sports. Pimblett and Topuria have traded barbs and close-quarters confrontations outside the cage for years, though an official bout has never materialized. With Topuria coming off a championship loss to Gaethje at UFC White House, the timing could align—but Pimblett stressed no deal has been agreed.

"Nothing yet. No one spoke to me about it, so we'll see what happens," Pimblett said.

However, if the Topuria clash doesn't come together, Pimblett is hungry for competition among the lightweight elite. He named Arman Tsarukyan, Gaethje, Mauricio Ruffy, and Charles Oliveira as potential opponents. Tsarukyan is set to face Ruffy in a potential title eliminator at UFC 331, while Gaethje, the current undisputed champion, is expected to fight again in 2027. Pimblett's goal remains clear: secure a top-five opponent and earn another shot at the belt.