Paddy Pimblett is now seemingly getting closer and closer to fighting ranked opponents after winning his third UFC bout in sensational fashion. Pimblett produced a thrilling performance last month when he defeated Jordan Leavitt at the O2 Arena in London.
His performance in forcing Leavitt into a submission, combined with his emotional words have left an impact on the sport and the company's bosses will be looking towards his next fight in the hope that he can produce a similarly impressive performance.
Leavitt was by far the most difficult opponent of his career to date, and did give him some difficulties with his wrestling in the first round. But Pimblett was able to land a huge knee to take Leavitt to the ground before looking in a rear naked choke to force him into submisssion.
READ MORE: Every word of Paddy Pimblett's heartbreaking speech after UFC London win
But what's next for Pimblett? Here we take a look at who the Baddy could fight in his next UFC outing - likely to be later this year in Las Vegas.
Ilia Topuria
Back in March during the pre-fight media obligations for UFC London, Pimblett got into a physical altercation with German-Georgian Topuria at the fighter's hotel. Topuria told Pimblett that he 's*** his pants'. The Liverpool MMA star was seen on camera saying 'what's happening lad', before something was thrown with Pimblett getting into it with Topuria. Pimblett, who seemingly was not fazed by the altercation, replies stating: "What lad? I am stood right here. You little maggot."
Topuria would go on to secure an impressive win, coming back from adversity to knock of Wolverhampton's Jai Herbert in impressive fashion.
Topuria has not fought since March, falling in the UFC rankings, could he now be a realistic opponent for the Baddy?
Renato Moicano
Recently ranked Renato Moicano has called out Paddy Pimblett for a potential fight in the near future.
In the stacked lightweight division, it may take some time for him to enter the title picture, or even become a ranked fighter. And one man who is looking to do just the same is Moicano.The Brazilian submission king has recently fought some of the biggest names in the division, in Rafael dos Anjos, Rafael Fisiev, whilst also coming up against Jose Aldo and the Korean Zombie.
And Moicano has now called out Pimblett, picking out weaknesses in his game.
Speaking to Sherdog, he said: "Paddy Pimblett would be very welcome. No doubt he has qualities. He is able to absorb punches and has reasonable ground skill.
"But his wrestling is no good, He is not physically strong and his striking is also below average. But we must understand the business, his numbers on social media are amazing and also his hype with fans, so I totally understand that the UFC takes care of him. Giving him a guy like ‘Moicano’ would make no sense right now."
Terrance McKinney
One who could face him in the future is Terrance McKinney. The American fights Fares Ziam - another fighter to call out Pimblett - this week.
McKinney has confirmed that he'd like to face Pimblett and applauded him for not calling anyone out. McKinney is another rising star, who's athleticism and speed would make for an exciting bout with Pimblett.
Jared Gordon
The fight which, at first, we expected to see at UFC London. Dana White went on Barstool Sports and stated that a fight between Pimblett and Gordon would take place, however, nothing was ever discussed between the two camps.
Pimblett has mentioned Gordon by name, stating that he'd like to fight him after Gordon defeated Pimblett's friend Chris Fishgold. “After he mentioned me, I thought me and Jared Gordon might get matched together," Paddy 'the Baddy' told Michael Bisping's Believe You Me Podcast.
Fares Ziam
The Frenchman certainly wants to face Pimblett. Ziam recently said: "Yes, I think he has big hype. He came to the UFC with a first-round knockout, so for me, yes, he deserves this.
“Maybe his first fight in the UFC, a little bit of pressure, but after a few minutes he did very well. But I think I can beat Paddy because I have better kickboxing than Luigi (and) better takedown defense. So now I’m very good, so we will see.”
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