MMA news: Paddy Pimblett lays out mega three-fight plan for 2026
Paddy Pimblett has the opportunity to be the fourth English fighter in MMA history to hold a version of the UFC title.
In this article, Sports News Blitz writer Niall Togher looks at Pimblett’s ambitious roadmap as he targets championship gold and a blockbuster year ahead.
A year that could define ‘The Baddy’
With lightweight champion Ilia Topuria out of action for the first quarter of 2026 as he deals with personal issues outside of the cage, an interim lightweight champion will be crowned in his absence when Pimblett faces Justin Gaethje on January 24 at UFC 324.
The decision to make the fight between Pimblett and Gaethje is another recent booking decision by the UFC that has been questioned by MMA fans, with Arman Tsarukyan undoubtedly being the most deserving fighter in the 155pound division for a title shot.
Nevertheless, Pimblett will not care as the scouser has his sights set on ensuring 2026 will be remembered as the year Paddy ‘The Baddy’ became the biggest name in the UFC.
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Ilia Topuria among those Paddy Pimblett eyes a showdown with in 2026
Without a doubt, Gaethje will be the hardest test of Pimblett’s career so far when the two face off in January, but with the way the scouser easily disposed of Michael Chandler in his last bout, Pimblett’s confidence will be at an all-time high.
However, Pimblett will also know that if he can get through Gaethje and win the interim title, a massive unification bout against his long-time rival Topuria awaits midway through next year.
In an interview clip posted on the UFC’s official X account, Pimblett laid out his three-fight plan for 2026.
“I am coming for that interim title,” Pimblett said.
“Then I’ll be making the undisputed title [fight] when I come and beat Ilia Topuria up and take the undisputed title.
“And then little posh boy [Arman Tsarukyan]. If little posh boy fights in that time and keeps his ranking, I’ll punch his head in as well.”
When Pimblett made his UFC debut back in 2021, few thought he would ever find himself in a position to fight for a title, but if he can beat Gaethje and see through his plan for 2026, he will end next year as arguably the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
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Arman Tsarukyan reacts to interim title fight at UFC 324
After picking up an impressive second-round submission win over Dan Hooker on November 22, Tsarukyan further cemented his place as the second-best fighter at 155 pounds behind the champion, Topuria.
After being snubbed by the UFC, which favoured a clash between Gaethje and Pimblett for the interim belt, the 29-year-old took to X to voice his frustrations.
Tsarukyan’s message was simple and to the point as he said, “make it make sense”, followed by a facepalm emoji.
This post has been viewed nearly 4million times and has 40,000 likes, showcasing the fact that the MMA community feel Tsarukyan is more than deserving of a title shot, but at this stage, the Armenian’s wait for an opportunity to fight for gold goes on.
