Pimblett-Topuria title fight uncertain as talks stall

Paddy Pimblett, a rising lightweight contender, says he is stuck in limbo as he waits for confirmation of a planned title fight with champion Ilia Topuria, while Topuria says no official discussions have taken place and the bout remains uncertain. Pimblett has publicly accused Topuria of delaying a contract for the matchup, and the dispute highlights competing claims about the next steps in the UFC lightweight division as the promotion plans its early 2026 schedule.

Pimblett told interviewers he has few viable opponents left in the division and that Topuria is the only realistic option. He said he expected to fight Justin Gaethje in Abu Dhabi but that the bout did not materialize, and he noted other top contenders have been booked recently. Pimblett added that he believes the fight would have been finalized if Topuria had signed a contract, calling the champion "stalling" when offers have been made.

Topuria, who captured the lightweight title in his most recent outing, gave a different account. He said there have been no official conversations with the promotion about his next opponent and that most of what is circulating is rumor. "There's really nothing official at the moment....