Ilia Topuria among those Paddy Pimblett eyes a showdown with in 2026<\/p>\n
Without a doubt, Gaethje will be the hardest test of Pimblett\u2019s 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\u2019s confidence will be at an all-time high.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
In an interview clip posted on the UFC\u2019s official X account, Pimblett laid out his three-fight plan for 2026.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am coming for that interim title,\u201d Pimblett said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I\u2019ll be making the undisputed title [fight] when I come and beat Ilia Topuria up and take the undisputed title.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd then little posh boy [Arman Tsarukyan]. If little posh boy fights in that time and keeps his ranking, I\u2019ll punch his head in as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n