Paddy Pimblett says he would like to battle Ilia Topuria in Abu Dhabi in October however his opponent is almost definitely to be Justin Gaethje.
Liverpool’s Pimblett earned an announcement win over Michael Chandler final month earlier than calling for his subsequent bout to be in opposition to an opponent ranked within the prime 5.
Spain’s Topuria faces Brazil’s Charles Oliveira for the light-weight belt at UFC 317 on 28 June after former champion Islam Makhachev vacated his belt to maneuver as much as welterweight.
American Gaethje would not have a battle booked and is third within the UFC’s light-weight rankings – 5 locations above Pimblett.
The UFC often hosts a numbered occasion in Abu Dhabi in October however a possible date for this yr’s present is but to be set.
“I am hoping to battle in Abu Dhabi in October. I feel that is when I’ll be again within the cage,” Pimblett informed BBC Sport.
“I used to be pondering Ilia would possibly name me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I would like to beat him if he will get the belt.
“I would like to battle him anyway however he is booked, so I feel it is greater than seemingly Justin Gaethje.”
Pimblett has historical past with former featherweight champion Topuria after the pair clashed at a lodge earlier than UFC London in 2022.
Topuria, 28, vacated his belt earlier this yr to maneuver as much as light-weight, opening the door to a possible battle with Pimblett.
Gaethje, in the meantime, final fought in March with a win over Rafael Fiziev – and with 20 knockouts from 26 bouts, he stays one of the vital fashionable fighters on the roster.
With fourth-ranked Max Holloway going through fifth-ranked Dustin Poirier on 19 July, the one different fighter with out a battle booked within the prime 5 is Armenia’s Arman Tsarukyan, who Pimblett has little interest in.
“Nobody [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and other people truly wish to watch Gaethje battle. Individuals know it’s going to be an thrilling battle, me versus Gaethje,” mentioned Pimblett.
“Tsarukyan, he is simply an absolute software, after which it is me and Gaethje.
“One win away and I will be preventing for the belt. Yeah, that is all the time been the goal. It is the one goal that we’ve.”
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