Paddy Pimblett claimed his second UFC victory earlier this month in emphatic fashion with a statement victory over Rodrigo 'Kazula' Vargas. The win was the second time that Pimblett has fought in the UFC after his debut over Luigi Vendramini in September - a fight in which he also secure a first-round finish.
Like the first fight, the Baddy took a big shot to the face, with Vargas going for the take down. In his fight against Vendramini last year, the Liverpool star was able to regroup, compose himself before landing some huge shots, showing his athleticism, power and striking abilities to knock out his opponent.
At UFC London, Pimblett showed fans his excellence in Judo with an excellently executed hip toss and before using his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to get in position before locking in a rear naked choke, locking it in tight giving Vargas no choice but to tap. The victory sees Pimblett's stature rise further, with the rising UFC star admitting that he could have been the main event himself - stating that he's ready to do so.
READ MORE: Paddy Pimblett sends Liverpool transfer text to Jude Bellingham after UFC win
However, the 27-year-old is still on a base contract, which makes considerably less money than usual main event stars, and he would likely need a new contract to boost his winnings. In that case, there are a number of fighters for Pimblett to face whilst he continues to rise through the ranks - having gained a few rivals within the industry already.
Here are five names The Baddy could face next.
Ilia Topuria
This will be the one that fans will want to see the most. However, it's also the most unlikely.
Pimblett got into a physical altercation with German-Georgian Topuria at the fighter's hotel ahead of UFC London, with Topuria telling 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 secured an impressive win at UFC London, coming back from adversity to knock of Wolverhampton's Jai Herbert in impressive fashion. But with Topuria being a ranked fighter, it may be difficult to secure a fight against Pimblett, after the Liverpudlian admitted he's not looking to fight ranked guys just yet.
“I wouldn’t take a top 15 fight,” Pimblett said. “I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t. Add some more zeroes to my contract and then I will. I think I proved tonight that I deserve a new contract. Not this little standard one.”
Pimblett vs Topuria should be a fight to build up in a year or two down the line - let the rivalry grow.
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.
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.”
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.
Jim Miller
An absolute legend of the sport, it's fair to see Jim Miller is coming towards the end of his UFC career now, but he remains a dangerous opponent. Miller has the most wins in UFC history, fighting his first bout with the company in 2008.
A win over current champion Charles Oliveira on his record, Miller would be an opponent who Pimblett would respect, but one he should be able to show off his skills against.
