Former UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev has cast serious doubt on Paddy Pimblett’s credentials as a title challenger, suggesting the Liverpool star hasn’t been properly tested in the Octagon.
Speaking in a recent interview, Islam Makhachev was direct when asked about potential challengers for current lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. The Dagestani icon believes there are clear contenders ahead of Pimblett in the division’s pecking order.
“I feel Arman has to be next because this guy deserves it,” Makhachev stated. “He did a mistake when he was supposed to fight with me. He was injured, he did not come to weigh in, but he’s still No. 1 in this division and he have to fight for the title.”
When pressed specifically about Pimblett’s qualifications, Makhachev was dismissive: “Maybe Arman, maybe Gaethje, but not Paddy, for sure.”
The former champion questioned the quality of Pimblett’s UFC victories, noting: “Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson? Who else he beat? Chandler? Everybody beat Chandler.”
Despite Pimblett’s 7-0 UFC record and growing popularity, Makhachev believes the Liverpudlian hasn’t faced elite competition that would prepare him for a champion like Topuria.
“He can do some things, but I don’t see a big chance,” Makhachev assessed. “Honestly it’s not a big challenge for Topuria. Arman is a really big deal. If he beats Arman, because Arman has good skills striking, wrestling, grappling. He’s a good fighter. Paddy, nobody checked Paddy before.”
Makhachev’s comments come as he prepares for his own welterweight challenge against Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322 on November 15. However, he hasn’t ruled out a potential supermatch with Topuria in the future.
“Now I don’t know who’s going to be next for Ilia,” Makhachev said. “If you’re talking about our fight, I have a good fight now and I know he’s going to fight soon and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
“For the MMA community, it’s going to be a big fight,” he added. “People want this fight and if UFC wants this fight, then we can do this.”
