The UFC lightweight title picture is filled with big names and big questions, including who will face newly crowned champion Ilia Topuria for his first title defense. Topuria knocked out Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 earlier this year, becoming the last two-division defending champion in the promotion’s history.
Since Topuria’s victory, Justin Gaethje has repeatedly stated that he plans to hold out for a title shot rather than fight another top contender. Gaethje hasn’t fought since beating Rafael Fiziev at UFC 313.
UFC CEO Dana White has dismissed Gaethje’s title shot, and at the time of writing it is uncertain whether Gaethje’s long wait will result in a fight against Topuria. In the meantime, one of the division’s top contenders, Paddy Pimblett, has questions about Gaethje’s plans.
Paddy Pimblett questions Justin Gaethje over ongoing title shot
In a recent interview with Jamal NiazPimblett responded to Gaethje’s continued interruption.
“I never want to say a bad word about Justin Gaethje because he’s a legend, but he’s been doing interviews lately because he’s a real b– and says the UFC owes him and he deserves it and all that,” Pimblett said of Gaethje.
“No one is to blame. You fight for it. In my last win, I beat someone in a better way who was a higher ranked opponent than he won in his last fight.”
“I know he’s a legend, and he’s obviously done a lot for the company and all that, but you can’t just claim a title.” (h/t MMA junkie)
Pimblett took on Topuria in the Octagon after UFC 317. Just weeks before Topuria’s victory, Pimblett made his case for a title shot with a dominant performance against Michael Chandler at UFC 314.
It is uncertain whether Topuria vs. Pimblett is in the mix for 2026, but either way, Pimblett isn’t a fan of Gaethje’s antics and hiatus.
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