Paddy Pimblett says Ilia Topuria should be stripped of his lightweight title if he does not return by July.
Pimblett believes the UFC should not wait too long for champion Ilia Topuria, who is currently taking a break from fighting due to personal issues following his divorce.
Topuria’s absence has led to Pimblett facing Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title this Saturday in Las Vegas. Pimblett says he will not accept a long delay like Tom Aspinall faced while waiting for Jon Jones to return.
“If Ilia isn’t back by June or July, I think I should be made undisputed champion,” Pimblett said.
Topuria has said online that he plans to return in April or June to fight the winner of Pimblett vs Gaethje.
Despite neither Pimblett nor Gaethje being in the top three of the lightweight rankings, the UFC chose the matchup as it launches a new broadcast deal and looks to feature its biggest stars.
Pimblett dismissed criticism from fans who felt higher-ranked fighters deserved the chance, saying the division cannot be put on hold and that he and Gaethje bring excitement.
The 31-year-old is on a seven-fight winning streak and could become Liverpool’s first UFC champion. He said he expects to beat Gaethje, describing him as a striker who does not rely much on grappling.
