UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has issued a clear ultimatum to reigning champion Ilia Topuria, saying the Georgian-Spanish star should be stripped of his title if he does not return to the octagon by July.

Topuria, who captured the UFC lightweight championship in June, has been on an extended hiatus from mixed martial arts while dealing with personal matters following his recent divorce. In his absence, the UFC has moved forward with an interim lightweight title fight, with Pimblett set to face Justin Gaethje this Saturday in Las Vegas.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Pimblett made it clear he does not expect the UFC to allow Topuria the same leeway previously afforded to other champions.

Pimblett: “Ilia Won’t Get the Jon Jones Treatment”

British heavyweight Tom Aspinall famously waited 19 months to be promoted from interim to undisputed champion as Jon Jones repeatedly delayed his return and flirted with retirement. Pimblett believes that situation will not be repeated at lightweight.

“Ilia isn’t going to get the same breathing space as Jon Jones,” Pimblett said.
“If Ilia is not back by June or July, I think I’ll become undisputed.”

Pimblett laid out his ideal scenario for the rest of 2026, which would see him claim the interim belt, unify it against Topuria, and then defend the undisputed title before the end of the year.

“In an ideal world I beat Justin. Then I beat Ilia for the undisputed title, and then before the end of the year defend it against someone.”

Topuria Targets Summer Comeback

Despite Pimblett’s comments, Topuria has insisted he plans to return sooner rather than later. Writing on social media earlier this week, the champion stated he is targeting a comeback in “April or June”, with the intention of facing the winner of Gaethje vs Pimblett.

Whether that timeline holds remains to be seen, but Pimblett believes the division cannot afford to remain stalled.

Surprise Interim Title Fight Sparks Debate

The UFC’s decision to book Pimblett versus Gaethje for the interim lightweight belt raised eyebrows, particularly given that neither fighter is currently ranked in the top three of the division.

Fighters such as Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Max Holloway were widely viewed as more obvious contenders. However, Pimblett dismissed the criticism, arguing that the circumstances justified the decision.

“It makes sense given the situation,” he said.
“We don’t know when Topuria is coming back and we can’t hold the division up. There’s been interim belts made for less.”

The timing of the fight also plays a role. The bout will headline the early phase of the UFC’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount, beginning at UFC 324, and the promotion opted for proven draws.

UFC Betting on Star Power

Pimblett enters the fight on a seven-fight winning streak inside the UFC and remains one of the organisation’s most marketable stars. Gaethje, a former interim champion himself, is renowned for his aggressive, crowd-pleasing style.

“They know we aren’t boring,” Pimblett added.
“We want to entertain and it’s what we’ll do for however long we last.”

From Prospect to Title Contender

At 31, Pimblett’s rise to the top of the lightweight division has been nothing short of meteoric. When the former Cage Warriors champion signed with the UFC in 2021, few predicted he would become a legitimate title contender.

Yet Pimblett has won every fight put in front of him while building a massive global fanbase, fuelled by his charisma, confidence, and outspoken personality.

Now, he stands on the brink of history.

If he defeats Gaethje, Pimblett would have the chance to become Liverpool’s first-ever UFC champion, joining Michael Bisping, Leon Edwards, and Tom Aspinall as the only British fighters to hold UFC gold.

Pimblett Confident Ahead of Gaethje Clash

Looking ahead to Saturday’s fight, Pimblett expressed strong confidence in his ability to overcome Gaethje, predicting an early finish.

“I don’t see Justin getting past the third round,” he said.
“Justin’s a brawler. He’s a boxer – a boxer with leg kicks – and doesn’t really grapple much at all.”

With an interim title on the line and the future of the lightweight division at stake, Pimblett believes the message to Topuria is clear: return soon, or risk losing the belt without a fight.