Paddy Pimblett’s win over Michael Chandler at UFC 314 may have been loud, but not everyone considers it defining. The Liverpool native did precisely what he promised: he entertained, provoked, and went away with his hand up, yet somehow the spotlight didn’t entirely shine on him. Because just a few divisions away, Islam Makhachev was being hyped as Ilia Topuria’s real next big fight.

To many, it wasn’t about who was flashier, but who carried more weight in their resume. Will it be a matter of sheer legacy? It’s a question that captures the UFC’s current crossroads. One matchup generates headlines, while the other sells history. And, in a sport that values both, Islam Makhachev continues to symbolize something Paddy Pimblett does not: credibility built on domination, not moments.

Islam Makhachev still seen as Ilia Topuria’s rightful test

Eric Jackman didn’t mince words when comparing the two possible matchups. “A win over Michael Chandler in 2025 isn’t legacy-defining,” he told Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show. “Islam Makhachev was the long-reigning champion who never lost that belt.” Several fans would surely resonate with his message: Pimblett may bring the noise, but Makhachev brings the story that matters.

With the Dagestani, Ilia Topuria has the opportunity to prove he is better than the man who previously ruled the division he now owns. In fact, a few days ago, Makhachev himself dismissed the possibility of ‘The Baddy’ being the next challenge for ‘El Matador.’ He said, “Paddy beat who? Tony Ferguson? Chandler? Everybody beat Chandler.”

His tone wasn’t dismissive for the sake of it; it was based on the cold math of MMA. A 7-0 UFC record is impressive, but not when compared to years of title defenses and supremacy. The Dagestani’s words are clear: the Spanish-Georgian should not be chasing hype, but hierarchy. In fact, he is already setting the timelines for the possible super-fight.

“I also want to fight Topuria,” Makhachev told Adin Ross in his latest interview. “Next year is the best time.” The Dagestani sounded less like a man chasing headlines and more like one coming full circle. The lightweight title, the welterweight run, and now the opportunity to solidify himself as a generational figure.

In his opinion, the Ilia Topuria fight is more than a dream; it is destiny waiting for the right time. But before that, he will have to go through Jack Della Maddalena and earn the Welterweight gold at UFC 322. A task that many may find easy on paper, but according to Paddy Pimblett, it is a mission the Dagestani would definitely fail to achieve.

Paddy Pimblett drops a brutal verdict on Islam Makhachev’s welterweight dreams

If Islam Makhachev sees the Ilia Topuria battle as destiny, Paddy Pimblett sees it as a punchline, and he wasn’t afraid to say it. What began as the Dagestani’s calm, long-game talk about legacy now smells like bait to ‘The Baddy,’ who thrives on turning respect into wrath and rage into news.

“I hope JDM absolutely punches his little head in, yeah. I hope JDM batters him,” Pimblett said, making no attempt to conceal his loyalties. He doubled down on the insult by mocking Makhachev’s CV, “How about that one, Islam? Get back down to lightweight, and I’ll punch your head in as well.” — a deep, personal jab intended to achieve two things: anger Makhachev and lay a very public claim on the narrative of who deserves the greatest fights.

Whether you like it or not, this changes the vibe. Paddy Pimblett’s mouthpiece routine forces a choice: seek the spectacle (Paddy vs. Ilia) or defend the legacy (Islam vs. Ilia). In any case, the talk heats up the matchmaking process, making the eventual winner’s path even noisier. Who do you think should fight ‘El Matador’ next? Let us know in the comments.