Paddy Pimblett has made it clear he intends to challenge the UFC`s lightweight champion. Earlier this year, `The Baddy` came face-to-face with Ilia Topuria at UFC 317, shortly after Topuria claimed the 155-pound title.
Both fighters have only stepped into the Octagon once in 2025, and with UFC 323 already scheduled for December, that tally is expected to remain unchanged. UFC President Dana White has indicated that Topuria potentially fighting in January is a “possibility,” which could mark a significant start to the promotion`s new deal with Paramount.
As the prospect of facing the lightweight champion looms for Pimblett, a close associate of `The Baddy` recently shared his insights on the potential clash.
Shem Rock Believes Paddy Pimblett’s Strengths Pose a Unique Challenge for Ilia Topuria
While discussions have also circulated about an Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje bout in January, there`s no denying that a confrontation with Paddy Pimblett would generate considerable public interest. Interestingly, Pimblett even saw his UFC lightweight ranking improve recently, despite not having competed since April.
In a recent interview, Shem Rock, Pimblett`s teammate, stated that while he doesn`t have definitive information, `The Baddy` appears to be training with a specific goal in mind. Rock elaborated:
“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 recently signed with the UFC and is anticipating his debut, suggests that while a fight against Pimblett would undoubtedly be a huge event for Topuria, the matchup itself might not be stylistically desirable for the champion. He noted:
“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 posits that fighters who are prepared to make the fight “ugly” and prioritize grappling to bring Topuria to the ground present a particularly difficult challenge for the undefeated lightweight champion – a style in which 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 Appreciates How People Underestimate Paddy Pimblett Based on His Appearance
While Ilia Topuria would likely enter a fight against Paddy Pimblett as a significant favorite, especially considering his recent victories, this wouldn`t be the first time `The Baddy` has faced skepticism. Training alongside Pimblett at Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, Shem Rock has observed firsthand how Pimblett is often overlooked due to his unique persona and appearance.
Rock explained his perspective:
“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 m———–.”
He continued by expressing his admiration for this aspect of the sport:
“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.”
