Paddy Pimblett says Ilia Topuria could be next after Justin Gaethje rematch demand following “White House” title win

Justin Gaethje’s victory over Ilia Topuria, staged at the White House setting that has quickly become a talking point in the UFC’s lightweight conversation, has already scrambled the division’s momentum. Among the reactions was Paddy Pimblett, who watched the finish and then zeroed in on what he believes should happen next for the undisputed belt.

Pimblett, speaking in an interview reported by Yahoo Sports, framed his immediate priority as a rematch with Gaethje. He described his stance in blunt terms, calling for the undisputed lightweight champion to be made to answer for the performance he delivered against Topuria, and he indicated that his demand is rooted in what he believes the champion owes to the division.

While Pimblett’s comments emphasized Gaethje, they were not an outright rejection of Topuria as a future opponent. He also said he is not completely against fighting the long-term rival, even after Topuria’s loss. In other words, Pimblett’s road map appears to run through Gaethje first, but Topuria remains a credible matchup option.

As for how Pimblett thinks the sport’s next chapter plays out, he suggested that fate could intervene in the timeline. The way he put it implies that matchmaking and timing, rather than a single fixed plan, will determine whether the lightweight title chase shifts again toward a Pimblett vs. Topuria storyline.

The key detail, at least from his perspective, is that the title picture now carries competing gravitational pulls. Gaethje is positioned as the undisputed focal point after beating Topuria, but Pimblett is trying to establish himself as a necessary problem for the champion, while still acknowledging that his own rivalry with Topuria is unresolved in the public mind.

For UFC fans, the practical takeaway is that Pimblett’s comments add another layer to the lightweight “who’s next” debate. If the organization prioritizes rematch optics and division clarity, Gaethje could face pressure to accommodate Pimblett’s call. If not, Pimblett’s openness to Topuria suggests the UFC can pivot quickly to a marquee rivalry that already has history and built-in fan interest.

What to watch next is whether the UFC turns either direction into an official booking. Pimblett’s stance, as reported, keeps two lanes open: a campaign toward a Gaethje rematch, or a direct continuation of his Topuria rivalry if the champion’s next dance goes elsewhere.