Pimblett, currently ranked No. 10 in the UFC lightweight division, has hinted at a two-step plan for the short-term future: dethrone Topuria, then jump to welterweight—with Jack Della Maddalena as the current champion—to chase a second belt.

Paddy Pimblett could see himself leaving the lightweight division after dethroning Ilia Topuria. The #10-ranked UFC Lightweight is still a ways from being the #1 contender, but Pimblett is closer than ever to a UFC title after facing off with new champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317.

Pimblett (23-3 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was in attendance when Topuria (17-0 MMA, 9-0 UFC) knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the lightweight title in this past Saturday's UFC 317 headliner at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Pimblett faced off with Topuria in the octagon, and the pair have continued to go at each other ever since.