Paddy Pimblett has been hard to miss since joining the UFC. It’s been nothing but success since his debut—seven wins in a row, a rabid fan base in the UK, and now—talk of a title shot! With Ilia Topuria recently named the lightweight champion, the narrative is set for a title fight that could deliver, and the UFC might actually make happen.
It’s not just speculation; there’s real money to be made in the sportsbooks. Pimblett and Topuria’s every move is under a magnifying glass. That’s why this fight is more than a title; it’s what smart UFC bettors are capitalizing on by placing bets ahead of the fight. If you plan on placing bets using a top UFC sportsbook, this is one of the fights you don’t want to miss.
Pimblett’s Winning Streak and Marketability
Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pimblett has remained undefeated. He has beaten several fighters, including Vendramini, Leavitt, and Gordon. He also fought Michael Chandler in April 2025 at UFC 314, and I think we all know how that clash ended. That last fight was the turning point. Chandler was a former title challenger with a legit resume, and Pimblett dominantly finished him.
In addition to the wins, he also brings out what Dana White loves: ticket sales, social buzz, and a media-friendly personality. Pimblett has merch, memes, and YouTube clout, and that all is helpful in fight booking.
Since the lightweight division is always stacked, there is one thing to consider: no one is currently riding the type of momentum that is with Pimblett right now. He has the fans, and they are willing to invest.
Topuria: The New King at 155
Ilia Topuria surprised everyone by knocking out Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight belt at UFC 317 this June. Topuria was already undefeated at featherweight, so the move to 155 was a no-brainer. Now he not only holds the title but is also the UFC’s pound-for-pound number one fighter.
That title sure does come with a lot of challenges. All of them— Tsarukyan, Gaethje, Hooker, and Dariush— are now focusing on him. But the fight everyone seems to be buzzing about is Topuria vs. Pimblett. The reason is the rivalry and the story behind it.
Topuria also seems to be interested. He proposed the fight in Spain and even suggested Santiago Bernabeu Stadium which has a capacity of 85,000. No title defense has more commercial appeal than that.
The Callout Heard Around the Division
Pimblett recently shared, “If Ilia wins, I think it will be him,” when discussing who he thinks he will fight next. It is clear to everyone that he is looking to get a fight offer and is interested in a shot at the title.
After recently winning the title, Topuria called out Paddy during his post-fight interviews and on social media. Everyone is familiar with the animosity between the two. They fought at a 2022 event and have had a lot of real and imagined buildup since for a potential fight.
UFC’s executives really enjoy this type of drama. It is great for marketing, selling tickets, and increasing pay-per-view numbers. With the record Pimblett is on, the risk-taking nature of Topuria’s fighting, and adding in the title, the fight is more logical than it seems on the surface.
Critics Push Back on the Pimblett Title Shot
But there are still critics. Some diehard fans and a couple of retired fighters are saying Pimblett has not fought the best of the best. They also mention other contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Beneil Dariush, saying they have done more to “earn” a title shot.
Former champion Kamaru Usman went as far as saying giving Paddy the title shot “spits in the face of the UFC’s ranking system.” And we can tell from other commentators and former fighters that we are not alone in this.
This is the thing: ‘Who is most deserving’ is not a question that is always relevant. In the past, Dana White has said that the more popular fighters sell, the more the UFC sells. As of right now, the lightweight division has very few fighters who sell, and Pimblett is one of them.
Weight Cuts
Yet another reason why this title fight could work is because of weight control. Both fighters have had issues staying in one division. Topuria moved up after cutting a lot of weight to stay a feather. Pimblett is notorious for his dieting and weight fluctuations between camps. UFC weight cuts have become a hot topic of discussion in the sport. Coaches and fighters alike have been talking about the damage long-term extreme cuts can do to a fighter. Both Topuria and Pimblett lightweight division as home to both of them, and neither is likely to leave it. If it is going to happen, it should be right now—no drastic cuts, no excuses.
Betting Perspective: What to Watch
If this title fight gets scheduled, it will surely be one of the most wagered-on events of the year.
For your sportsbook, this is how you break it down:
Futures Action: Forget if Pimblett is the reigning champion, most bookmakers will still have to deal with a surge in demand. He will most likely win the belt, and the prefight lines will have to undergo massive adjustments to suit Pimblett.
Props: The plethora of storylines provides room for prop bets around the fight, its round finishing, the specific method of KO or submission, total fight duration, and even bets on where it’ll be if Madrid is still on the table.
Parlays: Pimblett’s multi-leg fights are always the result of parlays. His triumph is frequently linked to UFC fights 320 or 321, which are always in demand.
Live Betting: If the fight happens, the fighters’ orthodox fighting styles and both of their low fight IQs will render in-fight odds too conservative to suit. You will need to adjust a lot.
Watch how the public wager too: Pimblett is a public name, and casual bettors will rush to back him. Coupled with smart promos or boosted odds around him could result in massive handle.
Potential Timing and UFC Politics
Timing matters. If the UFC waits too long, someone else may jump the line. Gaethje is due for a return. Tsarukyan is red-hot. But if the UFC wants a blockbuster in Q4 2025 or early 2026, Topuria vs. Pimblett makes the most business sense.
The UFC’s recent $7.7 billion streaming deal with Paramount added pressure to stack cards and drive viewership. A stadium show in Europe, featuring two of its most visible international stars, checks every box.
Pimblett might not be the most “deserving” on paper—but the UFC isn’t a meritocracy. It’s an entertainment machine. And right now, this is the biggest lightweight fight they can sell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How to Bet on UFC Fights?
A: Log into your sportsbook, navigate to the UFC section, pick your fight, choose a market (moneyline, round, method, total rounds), set your stake, and confirm. It’s never been easier to bet on UFC online with top platforms offering real-time odds and live markets.
Q: Is Paddy Pimblett undefeated in the UFC?
A: Yes. He’s 7–0 since debuting with the promotion.
Q: What title does Ilia Topuria currently hold?
A: He’s the reigning UFC Lightweight Champion and the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.
Q: Has the UFC confirmed Pimblett vs. Topuria?
A: Not yet. But both fighters are publicly calling for it and the UFC hasn’t shut it down.
Q: Why is there controversy around Pimblett getting a title shot?
A: Some believe other fighters have tougher resumes and higher rankings, making them more deserving challengers.
The Real Fight Starts Here
Whether or not it gets officially booked, the momentum is there. Pimblett wants gold. Topuria welcomes the challenge. And the UFC’s decision makers are watching the market, not just the rankings.
This is where your sportsbook readers want to be early—before lines shift and promos get crowded. It’s not just a potential fight—it’s a betting event waiting to happen.
Want more angles, custom odds breakdowns, or early picks if it gets signed? Let’s build out content ahead of the news cycle.
