Paddy Pimblett has openly expressed his desire to challenge the UFC’s lightweight champion for some time.
Earlier this year, `The Baddy` came face-to-face with Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, shortly after ‘El Matador’ secured the 155-pound title.
Both athletes have competed only once in 2025. With the UFC 323 card already scheduled for December, it appears their fight frequency will remain the same this year.
UFC President Dana White hinted that Topuria might headline a January event, potentially kicking off the promotion`s new partnership with Paramount with a significant bout, calling it a “possibility.”
As the prospect of facing his lightweight rival inside the Octagon draws closer, one of `The Baddy`s` close associates recently weighed in on the potential clash.
Shem Rock Believes Ilia Topuria Would Prefer to Avoid Paddy Pimblett’s Unique Strengths
Although a January matchup between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje has also been discussed, it`s widely agreed that a fight against Paddy Pimblett would generate more buzz.
Interestingly, Pimblett recently saw an increase in his UFC lightweight ranking, despite not having fought since April.
In a recent interview with Bloody Elbow, Shem Rock, a teammate of the UFC star, confirmed that while he lacks specific details, `The Baddy` is definitely training with a clear objective.
“I know Paddy’s in the gym, he’s sparring twice a week. He’s training hard. He’s lifting twice a week, he’s getting his massages every week, so he’s training for a purpose so I think you will see him fight, but I just don’t know who, where, when, why. That’s a question for ‘The Baddy’.”
Rock, who himself recently signed with the UFC and is preparing for his debut, believes that while a fight with Pimblett would be massive for Topuria, the stylistic matchup is not in the champion`s favor.
“The attributes that Paddy has is what Topuria doesn’t really want to face I think. I think same with Arman [Tsarukyan] as well.”
Rock suggests that fighters who are willing to make the fight messy and aim to take Topuria down pose a significant challenge to the undefeated lightweight champion, precisely where his teammate excels.
“I think when you fight a guy like Paddy, good luck, bro. He can take a shot, he’s massive, he’s physically strong. When you stand in front of him, he’s physically imposing. He feels bigger than he is and if he gets on top of you, it’s a long night.
Obviously, I’m biased. I’m gonna say Paddy beats him but sitting here as a non-biased fan, it’s a fight I’d love to see regardless.”
Shem Rock Enjoys How Paddy Pimblett’s Appearance Leads to Underestimation
While Ilia Topuria would likely be a significant favorite against Paddy Pimblett based on his recent victories, it wouldn`t be the first time `The Baddy` has been underestimated.
Shem Rock, along with several other teammates from Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, is sponsored by Reprimo, a clothing brand whose latest collection is exclusively available at JD Sports US stores.
Having spent considerable time training with Pimblett, Rock appreciates how often people dismiss the UFC lightweight based solely on his appearance.
“Everyone’s against you. Everyone doubts you, no one bets on you and every time, you got out there and you shock them and you keep shocking them and like he says, they move the goalposts for him. I think that’s the beauty of MMA. This guy comes through and he’s got longer hair, he doesn’t look like a Francis Ngannou scary mofo.
Bro, this is what I love about the sport. If you see this guy walking down the street, you wouldn’t go, ‘Oh my god, look at him, he’s an MMA fighter’. If you didn’t know, you wouldn’t know and that’s the beauty about it.”
