Paddy Pimblett is back in the news once again, and this time, he’s stirring the pot with his callout of UFC lightweight champion, Ilia Topuria. The Scouser has been making waves ever since his big win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
With Topuria’s recent victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the question on everyone’s mind is, “who’s next?” But Pimblett’s callout has revealed a deeper issue within the UFC hierarchy. The treatment towards fighters like Justin Gaethje and others who have been overlooked for title shots.
Pimblett’s callout has garnered mixed reactions from fans, some supporting his bold move and others not so much. But what is clear is that the UFC has once again found itself in a tricky situation, with a deserving fighter being overlooked for a title shot.
The Scouser, known for his fearless nature both inside and outside the octagon, has been calling out Topuria on social media, stating his case for a title shot. But what has irked fans is his comparison of Topuria’s win over Oliveira to Chandler’s, insinuating that his victory was more dominant and therefore, he should be next in line for the title.
However, this has sparked backlash from fans, who believe that Pimblett is being unfair towards fighters like Gaethje, who have been waiting for a title shot for a long time. And rightfully so, as Gaethje has proven himself time and time again, with notable victories over top-ranked opponents like Tony Ferguson, Donald Cerrone, and Edson Barboza.
But Pimblett’s argument also raises a valid point. Why are fighters like Gaethje, who have been consistently performing and waiting for their shot at the title, being overlooked for fighters like Topuria, who have only had one big win? Is it because they don’t bring enough hype or sell enough tickets? This raises the question of whether the UFC is more focused on creating hype rather than giving credit where it’s due.
And Pimblett’s callout has only highlighted this issue further. He has been vocal about his desire for a title shot, stating that he is ready and willing to take on Topuria. And for a fighter who has dominated the European MMA scene, with a record of 17-3, he deserves to be taken seriously.
But despite his impressive record, some fans believe that Pimblett has not yet faced the caliber of opponents that Topuria has, and therefore, is not yet ready for a title shot. This is a valid argument, and it raises the question of whether Pimblett needs to prove himself against higher-ranked opponents before being considered for a title shot.
However, it cannot be denied that Pimblett is a talented fighter, and his win over Chandler proved that he has what it takes to compete at the highest level. And with his popularity and marketability, he could be just the fighter that the UFC needs to create more buzz around the lightweight division.
Furthermore, Pimblett’s argument also sheds light on the issue of fair treatment towards fighters in the UFC. While the promotion is known for creating superstars and building hype, it is important not to overlook the hard work and dedication of fighters like Gaethje, who have been patiently waiting for their shot at the title.
In conclusion, Paddy Pimblett’s callout of Ilia Topuria has brought to light the issue of fair treatment towards fighters in the UFC. While his comparison of their respective wins may have caused backlash from some fans, it has also sparked an important conversation about the hierarchy within the promotion.
Regardless of whether Pimblett gets the title shot he desires, his callout has brought attention to a problem that needs to be addressed. And as fans, we can only hope that the UFC considers all factors when deciding on the next lightweight title challenger, giving credit where it is due and treating all fighters fairly.
