Does Paddy Pimblett Deserve a UFC Title Shot?

Paddy Pimblett has continued his rapid rise in the UFC, and after a high-profile win over Michael Chandler, the calls for a title shot are louder than ever. With Islam Makhachev now competing at welterweight, Dustin Poirier announcing his retirement, and Ilia Topuria reigning as the current lightweight champion, the division has shifted—and Pimblett is right in the mix.

The Case For

Pimblett’s win over Chandler marks the most significant victory of his UFC career. Not only did he beat a top contender, but he did it under the bright lights, proving he could handle both the pressure and the skill level of an elite opponent. He remains undefeated in the UFC and continues to grow in popularity with every fight.

With names like Poirier exiting the picture and others like Makhachev leaving the division, the timing is working in Paddy’s favor. His ability to draw attention, sell tickets, and headline events is a major asset to the UFC. Combined with his recent win, there’s a strong promotional and competitive case for him to be in title contention.

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The Case Against

While the win over Chandler is a big step, some still question whether one major victory is enough to justify a title shot. Pimblett’s earlier UFC wins came against unranked or lower-tier competition, and some performances—like the controversial decision over Jared Gordon—left room for doubt.

In a division that’s still filled with rising contenders like Mateusz Gamrot, Arman Tsarukyan, and Benoît Saint Denis, skipping the line could be viewed as premature without another top-tier win.

Verdict

Paddy Pimblett has made a strong case with his latest performance. In a reshaped lightweight division, he now has the resume and the star power to be considered for a title shot. While some purists may argue for one more contender fight, the combination of timing, momentum, and marketability could land him a crack at Ilia Topuria’s belt sooner than expected.