"We don't know what's happening"- Paddy Pimblett claims Islam Makhachev’s win at UFC 322 could complicate things at lightweight

Paddy Pimblett recently assessed the fallout from Islam Makhachev’s win at UFC 322 and its impact on the lightweight division. The lightweight contender expected a clear path toward Ilia Topuria.

However, with Makhachev's win, the landscape in both divisions is expected to change drastically. Pimblett has been open about wanting a shot at Topuria and has viewed that matchup as the logical direction for the division.

The problem for him is that Topuria has expressed interest in chasing Makhachev and the possibility of capturing a third title against the Dagestani star. That creates uncertainty at the top of two divisions and leaves contenders waiting for clarity. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pimblett said:

"Ilia's been saying he wants to go up and fight him, but you've got other contenders there now. [Michae] Morales, [Carlos] Prates, you've then got Ian [Machado] Garry if he beats Belal Muhammad] next week. Shavkat [Rakhmonov], as well, who needs to come back. He's been the No. 1 contender for about a year. They're all exciting matchups for Islam. The welterweight division at the moment could be becoming more exciting than the lightweight division. I don't think any division has been more exciting than lightweight in more than 10 years. It's good times for the sport."

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He added:

"Let's see what's happening now with Islam because is Ilia going to stick to his word and say he's going to move up? Or is he going to stick to his other word and say he's going to fight me next? We don't know what's happening. You never know. I could end up fighting Ilia. I could end up fighting Justin Gaethje, as I thought it was going to be in Abu Dhabi, but no one knows what's happening until Islam decides what he's doing because Ilia's saying he wants to fight him. But I'll be fighting next year, no matter who it is. I'll have an opponent. I'll definitely be fighting early next year."

Check out Paddy Pimblett's comments below (14:30):

Islam Makhachev wants a spot on the UFC White House card

Islam Makhachev made it clear he wants a place on the UFC’s White House card after his win at UFC 322. UFC CEO Dana White appears willing to keep that option open.

The event is being built as a major milestone for the promotion during the United States’ 250th birthday celebrations. The matchmakers are focused on assembling the strongest lineup possible rather than framing it as a national storyline.

Makhachev’s rise to welterweight gold and his push for another high-profile moment give the card a compelling anchor. Speaking in the post-fight octagon interview, he said:

"Donald Trump, let’s go, open the White House. I am coming!"