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Following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324, MMA fans are already making predictions about what comes next for Paddy Pimblett.
The Baddy suffered his first defeat in the Octagon in Las Vegas, losing via unanimous decision after a five-round war that saw the American claim the interim lightweight championship. Gaethje will next face Ilia Topuria, expected sometime around the summer.
The result was contentious, especially after the eye gouge that many claim cost Pimblett the fight. The same thing happened to Tom Aspinall, a fellow Brit who suffered bilateral eye injuries from multiple eye pokes by Ciryl Gane back in October.
Gaethje was docked a point for an eye-poke in the opening round, but while some feel it was an influential moment, the Baddy was rocked throughout the contest.
The American went three for three on takedowns compared to Paddy’s zero from five, controlling the fight when it mattered most.
Pimblett did well not to get knocked out after claiming Scousers never get finished, something that would have followed him forever.
According to Gambling.com, the trusted authority on new casino sites and sportsbooks, the Liverpudlian was the pre-fight favourite in betting odds, but it is always tough to get a decision on US soil, and now he will have to go back to the drawing board with the first blemish on his UFC record.
The question now is, who will Pimblett fight next? The lightweight division is stacked, and his options range from immediate revenge missions to strategic rebuilding fights. In this article, we look at who his next opponent in the Octagon could be.
A brutal return test: Arman Tsarukyan
Arman Tsarukyan wasted no time circling Pimblett after UFC 324, claiming Paddy had been handed opportunities rather than earning them. The tension has been building for months, especially after Tsarukyan was bypassed for the interim title fight despite holding the number one ranking.
This would be a dangerous comeback fight. The Armenian is riding a five-fight unbeaten run and presents exactly the kind of challenge Pimblett struggled with against Gaethje. For Pimblett, beating him would instantly re-establish credibility and thrust him back into title contention.
The risk is that another loss could derail his momentum entirely, as it would likely put him out of the top 10 picture.
Tsarukyan exposes weaknesses rather than allowing fighters to rebuild confidence. If Pimblett takes this fight, it signals he believes he can compete with the best immediately.
The bad blood option: Dan Hooker
A feud with Dan Hooker has quickly become one of the more heated rivalries at lightweight. The pair have traded personal shots online, with both fighters crossing lines in recent exchanges.
That tension sets the stage for a grudge fight with real bite. From Pimblett’s perspective, Hooker represents a more manageable return compared to the elite names in the top five. Hooker sits sixth in the rankings, one place below Pimblett, making it a logical matchup that combines ranking relevance with built-in drama.
Stylistically, Hooker offers Pimblett a chance to showcase improvements without facing wrestling-heavy opposition. A win here would restore confidence and keep him positioned for bigger fights later in the year.
The homecoming scenario: UFC London
UFC London on March 21 could provide the perfect stage for Pimblett’s comeback. He has not fought in Liverpool since 2018, the same year the UFC last staged an event in the city. Pimblett would be a natural main event attraction and an instant ticket seller.
Long-term, he has spoken openly about his dream of fighting at Anfield. For now, London represents the most realistic step towards a homecoming moment. A win in front of a home crowd would wash away the disappointment of Las Vegas and set up a strong second half of 2026.
Long-term picture: A statement fight
Charles Oliveira is now scheduled to face Max Holloway for the BMF title in Las Vegas on March 7. Could Pimblett fight the loser of that contest?
While the BMF belt may be unofficial, it has evolved into a badge of honor reserved for the UFC’s most entertaining fighters. Both men represent huge names with global recognition, and either would provide Pimblett with a career-defining opportunity.
Fighting the loser makes sense from a timing perspective. Pimblett will need time to recover, and a summer or autumn matchup would allow him to heal properly while maintaining momentum. The challenge is whether he deserves that level of opponent after a loss, but his drawing power and dollar signs could override traditional logic.
What now?
Pimblett stands at a crossroads. The loss to Gaethje exposed weaknesses but demonstrated his toughness. You only need to look at his face once the decision was made to see that clearly enough.
His next fight will reveal whether he views himself as a contender ready to challenge elite opposition or a rising star who needs strategic rebuilding.
Whichever path Pimblett chooses, his stock remains high. One loss won’t completely derail that momentum. What matters now is making the right choice, one that balances ambition with what he can realistically achieve at 31 years old.