Eagle-eyed MMA fans spotted various bookmakers offering odds on a potential Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett fight next.
This has got fans speculating that Topuria vs Pimblett might already be signed with the next UFC Lightweight Title fight all but confirmed.
Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett Odds Leaked Amid Fight Rumours
Ilia Topuria’s next fight is yet to be confirmed, with MMA fans waiting on an announcement as to who ‘El Matador’ will defend his UFC Lightweight Title against.
The likes of Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett have been mentioned as potential opponents, as has a rematch with former foe Max Holloway.
However, as of today no fight has been signed. That being said, some eagle-eyes fans think they have worked out who the Spanish-Georgian MMA star will fight next thanks to some leaked odds.
Although nothing has been confirmed, certain bookmakers have listed Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett as a potential fight to happen before December 31st.
Some UFC betting sites released odds of a proposed Topuria vs Pimblett match-up, with ‘El Matador’ listed as an overwhelming favourite.
The leaded Topuria vs Pimblett odds suggest that the champion will be a 1/6 favourite against ‘The Baddy’, who himself has been listed as the 9/2 underdog if these leaked odds are indeed correct.
Whether or not these odds are legitimate are not remains to be seen. Some fans feel this could prove that Pimblett is getting the next UFC Lightweight Title shot, ahead of the likes of Gaethje and Tsarukyan.
For now though, this is mere speculation. That being said, the fact there are actual odds that have been leaked on a fight between Topuria and Pimblett is rather telling.
Will Topuria vs Pimblett Happen Next For UFC Lightweight Title?
Although no official confirmation has come regarding an Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett fight, #1 lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan seems to think it could be on the cards next.
Tsarukyan’s next fight is yet to be confirmed, but it doesn’t look like he will be granted the first shot at Ilia Topuria and his UFC Lightweight Title.
The Armenian MMA phenom was scheduled to fight Islam Makhachev for the belt at UFC 311, but pulled out of the bout due to injury during fight week. He was then the back-up fighter at UFC 317 should either Topuria or Charles Oliveira have missed weight, but neither did.
You’d have thought ‘Akhalkalakets’ would then naturally be next in line for a shot at the 155-pound belt. However, that doesn’t look like it’s going to be the case.
It was previously reported that Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje was confirmed for UFC 323 main event in December, but that now looks like it mightn’t happen either. Instead, Tsarukyan believes Topuria’s first UFC Lightweight Title defence will be against Paddy Pimblett.
Arman Tsarukyan believes Ilia Topuria's next opponent is more likely to be Paddy Pimblett than Justin Gaethje:
"Gaethje won't fight Topuria… I think it's more likely to be Pimblett than Gaethje. I think he'll defend his title, and if Islam wins the title, he'll move up to 170… pic.twitter.com/3q8irrINm4
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 18, 2025
In a recent interview with Sport24, the #1 ranked lightweight contender revealed his thoughts on who ‘El Matador’ will face next:
“Gaethje won’t fight Topuria… I think it’s more likely to be Pimblett than Gaethje. I think he’ll defend his title, and if Islam wins the title, he’ll move up to 170 and want to become a triple champ.
“He won’t want to fight me because he can make more money fighting Islam, and he has the chance to become the first ever triple champion in history and earn big money,” said Tsarukyan.
Whether or not this happens remains to be seen, but it seems that Ilia Topuria vs Paddy Pimblett could well be the next UFC Lightweight Title showdown.
