In a stunning turn of events, Paddy Pimblett is hinting at a seismic shift in the UFC lightweight division that could redefine the championship landscape. But here’s where it gets controversial: With reigning champion Ilia Topuria stepping away due to personal reasons, Pimblett believes this absence might not only elevate his upcoming fight against Justin Gaethje into a battle for the undisputed title but also open the door for a superstar from another division to enter the fray. Could this be the moment that changes everything? Let’s break it down.
Pimblett, affectionately known as ‘The Baddy,’ is on the cusp of his first UFC title shot, set to face Justin Gaethje for the newly created interim lightweight belt at UFC 324 on January 24. This event marks the inaugural main event of the UFC’s Paramount era, adding even more weight to the occasion. However, Topuria’s hiatus has thrown a wrench into the works, leaving many to speculate whether he’ll return to defend his title or vacate it altogether. Pimblett himself thinks the latter is a real possibility, which would transform his bout with Gaethje into a fight for the undisputed championship. And this is the part most people miss: if that happens, Pimblett believes a star from outside the lightweight division might seize the opportunity to challenge for the title next.
Here’s the bold prediction: Pimblett thinks none other than featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski could make a return to the lightweight division. Despite Volkanovski’s knockout loss to Islam Makhachev in October 2023—his second failed attempt at becoming a two-division champion—Pimblett sees a path for ‘Alexander the Great’ to re-enter the lightweight conversation in 2026. Speaking with UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall on his YouTube channel, Pimblett theorized that if he becomes the undisputed lightweight champion and Volkanovski defeats Diego Lopes at UFC 325, the featherweight king might see this as the perfect opportunity to finally claim the lightweight belt.
“I think if I win and he wins, and I get upgraded to undisputed champ, it wouldn’t surprise me if (Volkanovski) thinks that’s the perfect opportunity to win the lightweight belt,” Pimblett explained. “I don’t want to fight Volk, I proper like Volk. But he probably looks at it and thinks, ‘That’s my best chance to become lightweight champ, beating Paddy.’”
This theory isn’t just speculation—Volkanovski himself has hinted at a potential return to lightweight. After his controversial rematch with Lopes was announced, the featherweight champion outlined his path to another lightweight title shot during an interview with 10 News. “Being a champion is a responsibility and I take that seriously,” Volkanovski stated. “Maybe after what I’ve said I plan on doing in Sydney, February 1, go do that, and then maybe have the turnaround and then get another victory over an undefeated guy… I think that’s fair enough to be calling for maybe a champ-champ fight then.”
Now, the question that divides fans: Is Paddy Pimblett’s UFC record strong enough to deserve a title shot? With victories over the likes of Michael Chandler (TKO), Tony Ferguson (Decision), and Jared Gordon (Decision), Pimblett has proven his versatility and skill. But is it enough to convince skeptics? And if he does become champion, would a fight against Volkanovski be the superfight the UFC needs, or a mismatch waiting to happen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—this debate is far from over.
