​Paddy Pimblett has stirred up a bold new possibility for his UFC future by openly predicting a showdown with UFC BMF champion Charles Oliveira. Pimblett’s most impressive win to date came at UFC 329 when he submitted Benoit Saint Denis in a first-round D’Arce choke during the event’s co-main slot. It was a decisive and dramatic finish, as Pimblett squeezed tight and forced Saint Denis to tap out, signaling his ascent in the lightweights and cementing his status as one of the division’s most exciting talents.
Following that triumph, Pimblett asserted that he is ready to face even tougher challenges and laid out a path that could include Oliveira, widely regarded as the sport’s premier submission artist. In the post-fight press conference at UFC 329, Pimblett told reporters that he would not only defeat Oliveira but would finish him by submission. “I’d submit Charles. I’ve got nothing but respect for Charles, you know what I mean? He’s an absolute legend in this sport. But he’s on his way out. And I think if he tries to grapple with me, I’d submit him. But we’d probably end up having a war for five rounds on the feet if I ever fight with Charles Oliveira,” Pimblett said.
Oliveira, who has 22 career submission victories, has also tasted submission on four occasions, including losses to Jim Miller, Ricardo Lamas, Anthony Pettis, and Islam Makhachev. This history suggests that while Oliveira remains dangerous on the offensive grappling end, his submission defense is not infallible, a factor Pimblett believes could be exploited if the two were to meet in the cage.
With both fighters currently free of opponents for their next bout, the match-up is not only plausible but also highly marketable given their standing in the lightweight rankings. Both Pimblett and Oliveira sit among the top five at 155 pounds, and a clash between them would carry substantial intrigue, especially with a potential BMF title on the line. Oliveira’s most recent fight saw him claim the BMF belt against Max Holloway at UFC 324, a contest that unfolded with Oliveira largely controlling the action on the feet and ground as he secured the title in a manner that surprised few observers. Against Pimblett, however, Oliveira could not simply rely on a cautious, mat-based approach; Pimblett’s elite grappling and submission threat could force Oliveira to engage more aggressively and defensively in both positions.
The prospect of the BMF belt being defended or contested in a Pimblett-Oliveira matchup adds another layer of significance. If the belt is at stake, the stakes rise even higher, drawing more attention from fans and bettors alike. The potential for high-level grappling exchanges and dynamic scrambles would likely deliver a fan-friendly fight that could define the champions and contenders of the 155-pound division for years to come.
As for the UFC’s plans, it remains to be seen which direction the promotion will pursue. Pimblett and Oliveira are both in a position to headline meaningful bouts, and with neither fighter having announced a concrete next opponent, the door is open for a blockbuster booking. The broader context includes Pimblett’s goal of returning to title contention, possibly setting up a rematch with Justin Gaethje, who defeated Pimblett by decision at UFC 324. Yet the allure of a Pimblett-Oliveira clash is undeniable, offering a blend of all-action striking, relentless ground games, and the potential for a dramatic finish that could resonate with fans around the globe.
Whether the UFC steps in to pair them remains to be seen, but Pimblett’s public declaration has positioned him as a problem in Oliveira’s lightweight plans and a potential game-changer for the division’s trajectory. If the matchmakers do cave to demand, a Pimblett-Oliveira confrontation could become one of 2024’s most-anticipated bouts, delivering a compelling narrative about the evolution of two of the sport’s most charismatic and skilled competitors. Regardless of the immediate outcome, the idea of Pimblett challenging Oliveira represents a peak matchup for fans seeking a clash of grappling prowess, striking versatility, and high-stakes competition at 155 pounds.