UFC lightweight star Paddy Pimblett wants an undisputed title rematch against Justin Gaethje rather than settling his long-standing feud with Ilia Topuria, though recovery from recent stem cell injections in his left hand currently limits his training as he targets a return in 2027.
Paddy Pimblett Targets Justin Gaethje Over Ilia Topuria
Paddy Pimblett is prioritizing championship gold over personal animosity as he maps out his next move inside the Octagon. Despite a bitter, years-long rivalry with former featherweight king Ilia Topuria marked by hotel lobby scuffles and repeated back-and-forth insults, the Liverpool fighter has made it clear that capturing the lightweight belt remains his primary objective.
Speaking on the How U Livin J Piven
podcast with Jeremy Piven, Pimblett explained that holding the undisputed title is the ultimate benchmark for his career. He explained his stance on the championship priority during the interview, noting according to Source 3 that he holds a 24-4 professional record with an 8-1 mark in the UFC, while Topuria holds a 17-1 record.
I’d take a rematch with Gaethje before Ilia, because I want to be a world champion. I hate Ilia, don’t get me wrong. Obviously, I’d rather beat Ilia and then beat Justin, but Justin’s got the belt. That’s what we do it for, to be recognized as the best in the world, to be the undisputed champion. That’s been my goal since I was 15 or 16, so that’s what I want to do.
Paddy Pimblett
Hand Injury and Stem Cell Treatment Delay Training Plans
While Pimblett has his sights set on championship gold, his immediate athletic preparations remain on hold due to physical rehabilitation. Bloody Elbow reported the details regarding his current training modifications after he received stem cell injections in his left hand.
The procedure has forced the 31-year-old Scouser to alter his gym routine, limiting what he can do with the injured hand while he continues working on stance adjustments and footwork.
At the minute, I don’t know. I got some stem cells in my hand the other day so I can’t really do nothing with that hand. I’ve still been training with my coach, still been striking. But, I’ve just been [doing] kicks, elbows, right hand. I haven’t been putting nothing on this hand, I’ve just been going southpaw, going orthodox, switching it up. I’m just working on other stuff. Working on my stance and things like that.
Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett is taking time to recover and enjoy the Christmas period, with a return to full training camp expected in 2027.
Grappling Adjustments for a Potential Justin Gaethje Rematch
The motivation for a rematch stems from Pimblett’s first encounter with Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January, where Gaethje secured a unanimous decision victory to claim the interim lightweight title and hand Pimblett his first loss in the promotion. Sherdog detailed how his tactical approach would change if they meet again, noting that Pimblett previously bounced back with a first-round submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July, securing the finish in 52 seconds.
Reflecting on that five-round championship battle, Pimblett admitted that his ego interfered with his strategy as he attempted to trade strikes with one of the division’s most dangerous fighters. In a potential second meeting, he intends to rely immediately on his wrestling and submission skills.
If I fought him again, I’d shoot in in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back and choke his ass out.
Paddy Pimblett
BJPenn noted his absolute confidence in executing that grappling-heavy game plan, though it is unknown whether Gaethje will make a return to the Octagon after capturing the undisputed title against Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 in June, with Yahoo Sports adding that Gaethje is said to be considering retirement at the height of his career due to accumulated wars and injuries, and that if Gaethje does fight again, potential matchups against Arman Tsarukyan and Alexander Volkanovski make sense.
Paddy Pimblett has plan for Justin Gaethje rematch: ‘Shoot in in the first 10 seconds, put him on his back and choke his ass out’ https://t.co/QC6CjhITp1