Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett’s next opponent remains a hot topic in the MMA world as we look ahead to 2025. The undefeated UFC lightweight has been making waves since his debut, and his recent submission victory over King Green at UFC 304 has only amplified the excitement surrounding his future matchups.
SUB OF THE YEAR: 🏴 Paddy Pimblett vs 🇺🇸 King Green (UFC 304)
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• Paddy’s first ranked test• Broke Bobby’s arm and puts him to sleep pic.twitter.com/BRvvVyCA53
— Jacob (@JacobTweetsBS) December 31, 2024
Pimblett himself has dropped some tantalizing hints about his next fight. In a recent YouTube video, he stated that both he and his potential opponent have agreed to the bout, with only the paperwork left to finalize. This revelation has set the MMA community abuzz with speculation.
One name that’s been prominently mentioned is Michael Chandler. Pimblett’s use of Chandler’s signature phrase “See you at the top” in his announcement has led many to believe that this fan-favorite matchup could be on the horizon. Chandler, despite his recent struggles, remains a top-tier lightweight and would represent a significant step up in competition for Pimblett.
However, other potential opponents are also in the mix. Renato Moicano, who has engaged in verbal sparring with Pimblett, was initially considered a frontrunner. But with Moicano now scheduled to face Beneil Dariush at UFC 311, this matchup seems less likely for the immediate future.
As Pimblett eyes a potential title run, the UFC might be looking to test him against higher-ranked opponents. With the lightweight division being one of the most competitive in the UFC, there’s no shortage of exciting matchups for “The Baddy” as he aims to crack the top 5 in 2025.
With that said, let’s take a look at three potential opponents for Paddy Pimblett in 2025.
“I’ll see you at the top”
In a recent YouTube video, UFC lightweight sensation Paddy Pimblett dropped a bombshell hint about his next opponent, sending the MMA world into a frenzy. The undefeated Liverpudlian, fresh off his submission victory over Bobby Green at UFC 304, teased fans with a cryptic message, stating, “I’ve said yeah, the opponent said yeah, just need to get stuff signed.” But it was his parting words, “I’ll see you at the top,” that set tongues wagging. This signature phrase, famously associated with Michael Chandler, has all but confirmed the highly anticipated matchup between these two fan favorites.
Paddy Pimblett and Michael Chandler… could it be? 👀
📹 @PaddyTheBaddy via YouTube pic.twitter.com/qYld6W1oi3
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) December 27, 2024
The timing couldn’t be more perfect for this potential clash. Pimblett, now ranked 13th in the lightweight division, has been vocal about his desire to face higher-ranked opponents as he eyes a title shot. Chandler, currently sitting at 7th in the rankings, presents the perfect stepping stone for “The Baddy” to prove his mettle against elite competition. For Chandler, coming off a loss to Charles Oliveira at UFC 309, this fight offers a chance to reassert his dominance in the division and potentially reignite his own title aspirations. With both fighters seemingly on board and the UFC’s return to London slated for March 22, 2025, all signs point to an electrifying showdown between Pimblett and Chandler that could reshape the lightweight landscape.
It’s time to settle the feud
The UFC lightweight division is set for a potential shakeup as Renato Moicano prepares to face Beneil Dariush at UFC 311 on January 18, 2025. If Moicano emerges victorious, all signs point to a highly anticipated showdown with rising star Paddy Pimblett later in the year. The two fighters have been engaged in a war of words for months, with both expressing mutual interest in facing each other in the octagon.
😁💥 Renato Moicano sends his regards to Paddy Pimblett… with a Tommy Gun in his hands.
🎥 @moicanoufc pic.twitter.com/6MSEuVSzgn— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) November 10, 2024
Moicano’s recent performances, including a dominant win over Benoit Saint-Denis, have catapulted him into the top 10 rankings. A win over Dariush would further solidify his position as a top contender. Meanwhile, Pimblett, fresh off his submission victory over King Green at UFC 304, has been vocal about wanting to face higher-ranked opponents. With the UFC’s return to London scheduled for March 22, 2025, the stage could be set for an explosive matchup between these two fan-favorite lightweights, potentially headlining the O2 Arena event.
This should be an absolute BANGER!
As the UFC’s lightweight division continues to heat up, a potential clash between rising star Paddy Pimblett and veteran Dan Hooker is emerging as a must-see matchup for 2025. Pimblett, fresh off his impressive submission victory over King Green at UFC 304, has already expressed interest in facing Hooker, stating that it “could be a nice fight for me in the future”. With Hooker’s recent re-entry into the top five rankings after his gritty win over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305, the timing couldn’t be better for this exciting bout.
Paddy Pimblett wants to fight a ranked opponent next at UFC Manchester, and mentions names like Renato Moicano, Rafael dos Anjos, Drew Dober and Dan Hooker 👀
“I think [Jalin Turner] is gonna knock Moicano out, and then Moicano could come running back to me… and I’ll knock him… pic.twitter.com/tojp4LbqDq
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 9, 2024
The matchup makes sense from both a rankings and a stylistic perspective. Pimblett, now in the top 15, is looking to test himself against higher-ranked opponents as he eyes a potential title run. . Hooker, known for his versatility and toughness, would provide a stern test for the charismatic Liverpudlian. With both fighters known for their fan-friendly styles and Hooker’s experience against top-tier competition, this bout could serve as a perfect litmus test for Pimblett’s championship aspirations while offering Hooker a chance to solidify his position in the division’s elite.
