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Paddy Pimblett reminded everyone why he remains one of the UFC’s biggest stars at UFC 329. After suffering a brutal knockout loss to Justin Gaethje in January, many questioned whether “The Baddy” still belonged among the lightweight elite. However, Pimblett answered those doubts in emphatic fashion. He submitted Benoit Saint-Denis in less than one minute and immediately returned to the title conversation. The victory could not have come at a better time. Saint-Denis entered the fight on an impressive run and represented one of the division’s toughest challenges. Instead, Pimblett overwhelmed the dangerous French contender and secured one of the biggest wins of his career. Now, the attention shifts toward his next opponent.
Several intriguing matchups could headline a Fight Night or even appear on a pay-per-view card. Here are five opponents who make the most sense for Pimblett’s next trip to the Octagon. Ilia Topuria stands out as one of the biggest possibilities. Before vacating the UFC lightweight championship in June, Topuria expressed interest in facing Pimblett during his first title defense. Although those plans never materialized, the matchup still carries enormous appeal.
Topuria also needs a statement win after suffering a devastating loss at UFC Freedom 250. Both fighters would enter the bout with plenty to prove. Furthermore, their heated rivalry would add another layer of excitement. The winner could easily earn a strong case for the next lightweight title opportunity. Charles Oliveira also presents a fascinating challenge. The former lightweight champion regained momentum after winning two straight fights. That streak includes a dominant victory over Max Holloway in March.
Oliveira remains one of the division’s most dangerous submission specialists. Nevertheless, the matchup feels much different than it would have several years ago. Pimblett has improved significantly, while Oliveira now competes at 36 years old. Consequently, “The Baddy” would have a realistic opportunity to earn the biggest victory of his career. That fight could easily headline a UFC Fight Night event. Max Holloway represents another exciting option. Holloway barely absorbed any damage at UFC 329 after Conor McGregor injured his knee just seconds into their main event. As a result, Holloway could return to action later this year without a lengthy recovery.
Pimblett also escaped UFC 329 with very little damage after his quick submission victory. Therefore, both fighters could remain active and meet before the year ends. Their styles promise an entertaining contest, and their personalities would help sell the event. An O2 Arena main event in London would likely attract a packed crowd and major fan interest. Renato Moicano deserves consideration as well. The veteran lightweight always welcomes high-profile fights and never shies away from entertaining trash talk. That combination makes him a natural opponent for Pimblett.
Beyond the pre-fight buildup, the matchup also makes sense inside the cage. Both fighters possess strong grappling skills and enjoy testing themselves against quality competition. Although Moicano presents a dangerous challenge, a victory would strengthen Pimblett’s position among the division’s elite. The UFC could easily feature that fight on a main card or headline slot. Mauricio Ruffy rounds out the list with perhaps the riskiest option. The rising Brazilian continues building momentum after compiling a 5-1 UFC record. Last month, he added another impressive victory by defeating Michael Chandler at UFC Freedom 250.
Ruffy represents the next generation of lightweight contenders, much like Pimblett. Consequently, a showdown between the two could shape the division’s future. Both competitors enjoy exciting fighting styles and consistently deliver entertaining performances. Fans would likely embrace that matchup, especially if the UFC schedules it on a numbered event. Regardless of which opponent the UFC selects, Pimblett has restored his standing in the lightweight division. His dominant submission over Benoit Saint-Denis erased many doubts following the loss to Gaethje. More importantly, it placed him back among the division’s top contenders.
The lightweight class remains one of the UFC’s deepest divisions. Every fight carries championship implications, and every victory matters. Pimblett now finds himself in another pivotal position. His next appearance could determine whether he earns a title opportunity or continues climbing through the rankings. After UFC 329, one thing seems certain. Paddy Pimblett once again controls his path toward UFC championship contention.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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