Over the past three decades, the UFC has steadily evolved alongside broader cultural and social movements. Among its most significant shifts has been the promotion’s growing acknowledgment and support of LGBTQ+ rights. Rulings like Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalized same-sex marriage across the United States, reflected a nationwide shift in perspectives on equality and inclusion. Reflecting that same spirit of progress, Dana White & UFC have increasingly aligned themselves with LGBTQ+ visibility. In 2019, the promotion celebrated Pride Month with customizable fighter gear and limited-edition merchandise, a gesture that caught many fans off guard.

Despite its reputation as a traditionally conservative organization closely tied to President Donald Trump and the Republican Party, the UFC has increasingly embraced inclusive and progressive causes. The promotion showcased that openness in 2018 at UFC Rio, when openly gay champions Amanda Nunes and Raquel Pennington shared the Octagon in a historic title bout. Now, in 2025, speculation is swirling once again. Following Pride Month, social media platforms have flooded timelines with claims that the upcoming UFC 322 card at Madison Square Garden will officially be branded as “UFC Pride Night,” with UFC star Paddy Pimblett in the mix.

But is there truth behind the buzz?

Is Paddy Pimblett planning to join the rumored UFC Pride Night lineup this November?

A Facebook page called Resselled News recently claimed that Paddy Pimblett had sparked an “uproar” on Instagram by allegedly announcing he would boycott the upcoming UFC Pride Night (UFC 322), headlined by Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title on November 15. The post quoted Pimblett as saying, “This sport should focus entirely on performance inside the Octagon, not on political issues or social movements.”

Resselled News claimed that the rumored UFC Pride Night had already received support from fighters like Islam Makhachev and Arman Tsarukyan, but suggested that Paddy Pimblett was unwilling to back what he reportedly called a “political move.” The post attributed the following statement to him: “I’ve got mates from all walks—gay, straight, whatever. I love ’em all. But strapping a rainbow on my shorts or waving flags? Nah, that’s not me. We’re here to scrap, not signal virtue. If that makes me the villain, so be it.” The Facebook page claimed that Pimblett shared this statement after a training session at Next Generation MMA.

The post quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion online. But is there any truth to it?

In reality, no. The UFC has not issued any official statement about a Pride Night, and Paddy Pimblett has never publicly announced a boycott or commented on such an event. His only recent social media activity was an Instagram post following a sparring session at Next Generation MMA — but what was that post really about?

What’s Pimblett’s latest post after his session at Next Generation MMA?

Paddy Pimblett has not stepped into the Octagon since April, when he extended his undefeated streak in the UFC. In his seventh UFC outing, he dominated former Bellator champion Michael Chandler, showcasing superior striking and grappling, even after absorbing early pressure from Chandler. The former champion now sits sixth in the lightweight rankings, just a win or two away from a potential title shot. For ‘the Baddy’, however, the reigning UFC lightweight champion is already Ilia Topuria, with whom he shares a long-standing rivalry.

Their animosity dates back more than a decade and flared during UFC Fight Night 204 in 2022, when a confrontation between the two escalated into a brawl, with Topuria even throwing a sanitizer bottle at the Liverpudlian fighter. Recent updates from Justin Gaethje’s manager indicate that the rumored Topuria vs. Gaethje fight in January 2026 may not go ahead. Meanwhile, following UFC 322, Islam Makhachev made his welterweight debut and vacated his lightweight ranking after his first bout.

As a result, Paddy Pimblett has risen to fifth in the division, putting him in line, according to many, as the next contender for a title shot. Pimblett recently shared an update on Instagram from Next Generation MMA in Liverpool: “staying sharp, waiting for fight news.”

Rumors now suggest the UFC is setting the stage to showcase a rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Pimblett on the Paramount broadcasting platform, though nothing has been confirmed in the unpredictable world of MMA. Stay tuned for further updates.