Paddy Pimblett says he wants Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria as his first two lightweight title defenses

Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has quickly become one of the most talked-about fighters in the UFC lightweight division. His exciting fighting style, unfiltered personality, and deep connection with fans—especially in his hometown of Liverpool—have made him a star on the rise. Now, as he inches closer to a UFC title shot, Pimblett has set his sights on two high-profile opponents for his first two title defenses: none other than former two-division champion Conor McGregor and his fierce rival, Ilia Topuria.

His dream scenario? Defending the belt against McGregor in a historic fight at Anfield Stadium, home of Liverpool FC, and later settling his ongoing feud with Topuria in a grudge match. But how realistic are these matchups? And what do they mean for his career and the UFC lightweight division? Let’s dive into the details.

Paddy Pimblett’s Rise in the Lightweight Division

Since making his UFC debut in 2021, Pimblett has built an impressive undefeated record within the promotion, securing wins with his slick grappling and dangerous striking. While some critics argue he has yet to face elite-level competition, his popularity has skyrocketed, leading many to believe that a title shot is inevitable.

Key Victories and UFC Impact

Pimblett has won over fans with his ability to finish fights and his post-fight interviews, where he often speaks openly about mental health awareness and personal struggles. His charismatic approach has drawn comparisons to Conor McGregor’s meteoric rise, although Pimblett insists he is forging his own path.

Currently, Paddy is working his way up the lightweight rankings, with a pivotal fight against Michael Chandler scheduled for UFC 314 on April 12 in Miami. If he secures a dominant victory, he may position himself for a title opportunity by the end of 2025.

Pimblett vs. McGregor at Anfield: A Dream Fight

Why Anfield?

For Paddy Pimblett, fighting at Anfield Stadium is more than just a business decision—it’s a personal goal. The Liverpool-born fighter has long expressed his dream of competing in his hometown’s iconic football stadium, following in the footsteps of boxing legend Tony Bellew, who won the WBC cruiserweight title at Goodison Park in 2016.

In an interview, Pimblett stated:

“My plan is to fight top-ranked opponents, get the belt, and then defend it against Conor McGregor in Anfield. That’s where the money is. That’s what dreams are made of.”

Does McGregor accept the challenge?

Conor McGregor, the biggest star in MMA history, has not fought since his leg injury against Dustin Poirier in 2021. While there have been rumors of his return, no official fight date has been set. However, McGregor has always been attracted to spectacle and big-money fights—something a stadium showdown with Pimblett would certainly provide.

Pimblett believes that McGregor’s star power is fading, and a fight between them would reignite interest in the Irishman’s career while propelling Paddy to even greater fame. But would McGregor take the fight? Given his unpredictability and tendency to hand-pick opponents, the answer remains uncertain.

The Ongoing Feud: Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria

How It Started

The rivalry between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria dates back to a physical altercation in a London hotel in 2022. After trading insults online, things escalated when Topuria confronted Pimblett in person, leading to a brief but intense scuffle.

Since then, the two have constantly insulted each other on social media, with Topuria branding Pimblett as “overhyped” and Pimblett mocking Topuria’s attempt to move up to lightweight after struggling to make weight in the featherweight division.

Why This Fight Needs to Happen

With both fighters now competing at lightweight, a showdown between them is inevitable. Pimblett has been vocal about his willingness to “smash” Topuria, calling him “a wannabe McGregor without the personality.”

Their contrasting styles—Pimblett’s submission-heavy grappling vs. Topuria’s knockout power—would make for an electrifying contest. Moreover, the UFC thrives on real rivalries, and a Pimblett vs. Topuria fight has all the ingredients to be a blockbuster pay-per-view event.

Strategic Implications for Pimblett’s Career

Path to the UFC Title

To fulfill his vision of defending the title against McGregor at Anfield and facing Topuria, Pimblett first needs to become the UFC lightweight champion. While he has yet to face the division’s elite fighters, he is confident in his abilities.

If he defeats Michael Chandler, his next challenge will likely be a title eliminator fight against a top-five opponent such as Charles Oliveira or Justin Gaethje. Winning those fights would cement his status as a legitimate contender and make his dream matchups much more feasible.

The Financial and Legacy Impact

Pimblett understands the business side of MMA and recognizes that marquee fights like McGregor and Topuria will elevate his career beyond just titles. These fights could:

• Break UFC attendance records if held at Anfield.
• Generate massive pay-per-view sales due to McGregor’s global fanbase.
• Secure multi-million-dollar paydays, similar to McGregor’s past fights.
• Increase his sponsorship deals and mainstream media exposure.

Winning against McGregor would also solidify Pimblett’s place in MMA history, much like Khabib Nurmagomedov’s career-defining victory over “The Notorious” in 2018.

Challenges and Roadblocks

The Tough Lightweight Division

The UFC lightweight division is arguably the most stacked in the sport. Fighters like Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier, and Beneil Dariush pose serious threats to Pimblett’s aspirations. He will need to prove that he can handle the division’s elite before securing a title shot.

McGregor’s Uncertainty

Even if Pimblett wins the title, there is no guarantee that McGregor will accept the fight. McGregor has the power to dictate his own matchups, and he may choose a more favorable opponent rather than risk fighting a younger, hungrier contender.

The UFC’s Business Decisions

While Dana White loves big-money fights, he also prioritizes competitive legitimacy. If the UFC does not believe Pimblett has earned a fight with McGregor, they may push for a different title challenger instead.

What’s Next for Pimblett?

Immediate Goals

Pimblett’s immediate focus is on defeating Michael Chandler at UFC 314. A victory there could catapult him into the top five of the lightweight division.

Long-Term Vision

If everything goes according to plan, Pimblett envisions the following timeline:

1. Win a high-profile fight in 2025 (Chandler or another top contender).
2. Compete for the lightweight title by early 2026.
3. Defend the belt against McGregor at Anfield in late 2026.
4. Face Ilia Topuria in a grudge match, settling their rivalry once and for all.

Final Thoughts: Is Pimblett’s Dream Realistic?

While Paddy Pimblett’s ambitions are sky-high, achieving them won’t be easy. He still needs to prove himself against top-tier competition before securing a title shot. However, his marketability, fighting style, and fan support make him one of the most exciting fighters in the sport today.

If he continues winning and building momentum, a UFC lightweight title run is not out of the question. And if that happens, a massive stadium fight at Anfield could very well become a reality—perhaps against McGregor, or against whoever holds the biggest name in the division at the time.

For now, all eyes are on UFC 314. If Pimblett wins in dominant fashion, his dream of headlining Anfield may be closer than ever before.