UFC star Paddy Pimblett didn’t hold back in criticizing Charles Oliveira following Oliveira’s devastating first-round knockout loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. Topuria claimed her second UFC Championship belt by delivering what many are calling a “Knockout of the Year” against Oliveira, landing a powerful strike that left Oliveira collapsing to the canvas, with his left hand still managing a clean right hook.
Topuria won the lightweight title after Islamic Makhachev moved up to welterweight earlier this year. Following his victory over Oliveira, Topuria is set to face off against his longtime rival Paddy Pimblett, setting the stage for a potentially fiery clash.
While Pimblett welcomes the chance to settle the score with Topuria, he didn’t hold back on his harsh judgment of Oliveira’s showing at UFC 317. Pimblett had previously teased multiple potential fights with Oliveira during Oliveira’s lightweight career but was highly critical after UFC 317.
On a recent episode of the "Our Poem" podcast, Pimblett expressed disbelief at Oliveira’s strategy, saying, "I really like Charles, but what was that game plan?" He described Oliveira’s approach as amateurish despite it being his 47th professional fight, questioning how such a seasoned fighter could perform so poorly.
This defeat marked Oliveira’s second consecutive loss in a UFC title bout, following his prior loss to Makhachev at UFC 280. Oliveira’s social media suggested he was emotionally affected by the loss, and while a return to the Octagon could happen later this year, his path back to a lightweight title shot is uncertain.
Meanwhile, Pimblett’s next big fight might come sooner than expected. UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis recently claimed Pimblett versus Justin Gaethje will be the co-main event of UFC 319 next month. This contradicts speculation that Pimblett will get a title shot immediately after facing Topuria, though no official announcements have been made.
Gaethje had hinted at retirement if he didn’t secure the next lightweight title opportunity. A win over Pimblett would likely guarantee Gaethje another chance at the belt, ahead of other contenders like Ahman Zarkian.
UFC president Dana White has yet to confirm the next opponents for Topuria and Pimblett, leaving the Pimblett-Gaethje fight plausible for UFC 319. Fans will have to wait and see if du Plessis’ prediction holds true.
Fan Take: This news is significant for fight fans as it highlights the shifting dynamics at the top of the UFC lightweight division. Pimblett’s blunt critique of Oliveira and the looming high-stakes fights promise exciting matchups that could reshape the title picture and bring fresh rivalries to the forefront of the sport.
