The Baddy’s Bold Move: Pimblett Eyes Former Champ on Path to Lightweight Glory

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Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett isn’t playing small ball in the UFC‘s shark tank of a lightweight division.

Fresh off a slick submission win at UFC 304, the Liverpudlian firebrand is already setting his sights on the division’s elite – and he’s got a former champion in his crosshairs.

Pimblett’s triangle choke victory over King Green on July 27th in Manchester wasn’t just another notch on his belt. It was a statement, silencing doubters and catapulting him into the #15 spot in the rankings.

Now, with that number next to his name, Pimblett’s not shy about his ultimate goal: a dance with the seemingly unstoppable Islam Makhachev for 155-pound supremacy.

But Pimblett’s no fool. He knows the road to Makhachev is paved with killers, and he’s got a hit list in mind. Speaking to The Action Network, the Scouser laid out his ideal path:

“I’m thinking Renato Moicano, then maybe Charles Oliveira,” Pimblett mused. “That’s the O’Malley route, innit? Jumping from 11 to fighting number 2.”

It’s a bold strategy, but one that’s not without precedent. Sean O’Malley‘s rapid ascent in the bantamweight division clearly caught Pimblett’s eye. And while some might balk at calling out a former champ like Oliveira, it’s clear The Baddy’s self-belief is at an all-time high.

That’s not to say Pimblett’s getting ahead of himself. He’s well aware that the likes of Dan Hooker, fresh off a big win over Mateusz Gamrot, are lurking in the wings.

“If they offer me Hooker, I’ll take it,” Pimblett declared. “Any name they send, I’m game. I’m not ducking anyone.”

It’s this mix of ambition and willingness to scrap that’s endeared Pimblett to fans. But the rising star’s penchant for post-fight indulgence might be his biggest obstacle.

In a recent video, Pimblett revealed he’d packed on significant weight after his UFC 304 victory, diving headfirst into the foods he’d denied himself during camp:

While the dietary detour might raise eyebrows, it’s clear Pimblett’s eyes are firmly fixed on the prize.

The path to Makhachev might be long and treacherous, but The Baddy’s making it known – he’s ready for whoever the UFC throws his way.