Paddy Pimblett's Post-UFC 314 Hitlist: Topuria, And Two Others

Kenji Nakamura

5 min read

Post on May 15, 2025

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Ilia Topuria - The Front-Runner on Paddy Pimblett's Hitlist

Why Topuria? A Style Clash and a Growing Rivalry

The Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria matchup is arguably the most compelling on "The Baddy's" hitlist. Why? It's a fascinating stylistic clash with a rapidly escalating rivalry adding fuel to the fire.

• Topuria's grappling prowess vs. Pimblett's striking: Topuria is known for his devastating ground game, a stark contrast to Pimblett's aggressive, often unorthodox striking. This creates a compelling question: Can Pimblett avoid the takedown and utilize his striking advantage, or will Topuria's grappling dominate the fight?
• Their pre-fight trash talk: The verbal sparring between these two fighters has already generated significant buzz, fueling anticipation for a potential showdown. Their animosity is palpable, adding a layer of excitement rarely seen in pre-fight build-up.
• The potential for a captivating main event: A Pimblett-Topuria fight has all the ingredients for a main event: two charismatic fighters, contrasting styles, and a genuine dislike for each other. It's a recipe for a captivating, high-stakes encounter.

Topuria's recent wins, particularly his dominant performance against Josh Emmett, showcase his well-rounded skillset. His precise striking combined with his relentless grappling makes him a nightmare matchup for many lightweights. Conversely, Pimblett's exciting style and fanbase make him a lucrative opponent for any rising star. The statistical comparison would show a clear contrast in their fighting styles, highlighting the potential for a dramatic clash.

The Reality of a Topuria Fight: Obstacles and Opportunities

While the Pimblett-Topuria fight is highly desirable, several factors could hinder its realization.

• Topuria's current ranking and potential opponents: Topuria's position in the rankings dictates his next opponent, and the UFC might prefer to match him with other top contenders first.
• The UFC's matchmaking strategies: The UFC's matchmaking is complex, balancing competitive matchups with promotional appeal. A Pimblett-Topuria fight is highly marketable, but the UFC needs to carefully consider the timing and implications.
• The promotional value of a Pimblett-Topuria fight: This fight is undeniably a massive draw, capable of generating significant pay-per-view buys. This promotional value makes it a strong contender for future UFC events.

However, the potential rewards for both fighters are immense. A win for Pimblett could catapult him into title contention, while a victory for Topuria would solidify his position as a top contender. The risks are equally high: a loss for either fighter could significantly impact their trajectory.

Two Other Contenders on Paddy Pimblett's Post-UFC 314 Radar

Fighter #2: Nate Diaz

Nate Diaz, a UFC legend known for his exciting and durable fighting style, represents a different type of challenge for Pimblett.

• Diaz's strengths and weaknesses: Diaz's boxing and submission skills are well-known, but his cardio and defense against takedowns could be exploited.
• His ranking and recent performance: Despite not currently being ranked highly, Diaz's name recognition and popularity make him an attractive opponent for Pimblett.
• The perceived challenge this fight presents: Facing a seasoned veteran like Diaz would be a significant test for Pimblett's skills and composure.

Strategically, a victory over Diaz would elevate Pimblett's profile significantly, adding another high-profile name to his resume.

Fighter #3: Rafael Fiziev

Rafael Fiziev, a dynamic striker with knockout power, offers a completely different style of fight.

• Fiziev's strengths and weaknesses: Fiziev is known for his explosive striking and dynamic movement, but his grappling defense could be a weakness.
• His ranking and recent performance: Fiziev's high ranking makes this a high-stakes clash for Pimblett.
• The perceived challenge this fight presents: This fight would test Pimblett's striking defense and ability to handle a high-paced, powerful opponent. It could serve as a significant stepping stone fight.

A win against Fiziev would solidify Pimblett's position as a genuine contender at lightweight.

Analyzing Paddy Pimblett's Hitlist Strategy

Career Progression and Risk Assessment

Paddy Pimblett's hitlist choices reveal a strategic blend of ambition and risk assessment.

• The potential impact of each fight on his ranking: Each fight carries different potential benefits and risks in terms of ranking and career trajectory.
• The risks involved in each matchup: Each potential opponent presents a unique challenge, requiring Pimblett to adapt his strategy.
• The long-term implications for his UFC career: The strategic choices will shape his career progression over the long term.

Pimblett seems to be aiming for a mix of high-profile fights to increase his visibility and challenging matchups to prove his skills. His approach is bold, suggesting confidence in his abilities.

Conclusion

Paddy Pimblett's post-UFC 314 hitlist presents a fascinating glimpse into his ambitions and strategic thinking. While the Topuria fight appears the most enticing—and potentially dangerous—the other contenders offer intriguing pathways to further solidify his position within the UFC lightweight division. The choices he makes will significantly impact his future trajectory. Keep an eye on the developments surrounding these potential bouts – Paddy Pimblett's hitlist is one to watch closely as his career progresses. Stay tuned for updates on the Paddy Pimblett hitlist and which fight will become a reality!