Paddy Pimblett pours cold water on Ilia Topuria’s suggested schedule for title clash

Paddy Pimblett is not exactly thrilled about Ilia Topuria’s target return date to the Octagon.

This Saturday, ‘The Baddy’ headlines his first UFC main event, squaring off against Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title at UFC 324.

Many fans were anticipating an announcement of Pimblett vs. Topuria for the debut card of the new Paramount era. However, ‘El Matador’ instead revealed he would be stepping away from the sport for a while to focus on personal matters.

Last week, the 28-year-old champion confirmed his return to the cage, addressing fans’ questions about his comeback plan.

Paddy Pimblett tells Ilia Topuria he is ‘gonna have to wait’

Pimblett will look to cause a huge upset this Saturday in his first main event, and if he does, it would set up a blockbuster bout between the two arch-rivals.

And even though Topuria is planning on returning between April and June, ‘The Baddy’ is not interested in getting back into the cage that early.

“He’s not getting me back in April, lad. He’s gonna have to wait, he made me wait, he can wait a few months. April is not happening, lad.

“Yeah (I’ll fight later in the year), I’m not fighting in April, lad. He can eat s—. I’ll fight him like June or July,” he told TMZ Sports.

A quick turnaround from January to April would be extremely difficult for Pimblett, especially given his tendency to gain significant weight outside of training camp, making it highly improbable.

And every July, the promotion hosts its annual International Fight Week event, which is usually headlined by a marquee fight.

If Pimblett could line up for July for his return to action, this would be the perfect time for one of the biggest fights of 2025.

Pimblett has his hands full with Gaethje before thinking about Topuria

Before Pimblett can even consider turning down Topuria’s timeline, he needs to get through Gaethje, who represents a significant step up in competition.

Gaethje is widely regarded as the toughest opponent ‘The Baddy’ will have faced to date. Despite earning an interim title shot, the Briton has yet to face anyone currently ranked in the lightweight top 10.