Pimblett Reveals UFC Return Timeline After Saint Denis Win

Paddy Pimblett is targeting a December return to the Octagon and has identified several potential opponents for his next lightweight bout.

The Liverpool native, who submitted Benoit Saint Denis in under a minute earlier this year, told MMA Mania over the weekend that he would welcome a fight with former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria. "I'd love to smash his head in, lad, but we'll need to wait and see," Pimblett said when asked about the matchup.

Topuria Fight Depends on Gaethje Rematch

A Pimblett-Topuria pairing looked unlikely at the start of 2026, when Pimblett lost a decision to Justin Gaethje while Topuria appeared untouchable. But Gaethje stopped Topuria at the White House event in June, opening the door for new matchups. According to Pimblett, no formal talks have taken place yet. If the UFC books Gaethje-Topuria 2 instead, Pimblett has a backup list ready.

"Arman [Tsarukyan], [Justin] Gaethje, [Mauricio] Ruffy, Charles [Oliveira]. There's loads of names," he said. "When I get told who I'm fighting, I'm sure everyone else will know."

Pimblett confirmed he is not available on short notice given his weight management between camps. "If I fight again this year it'll be in December, hopefully," he said. "But we'll see what happens."

The lightweight division remains in flux as the UFC weighs whether to run back Gaethje-Topuria or shuffle the top ten with fresh pairings.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Paddy Pimblett shares potential timeline and hit list for UFC return