Paddy Pimblett sets out ambitious three-fight plan to join elite UFC club featuring Conor McGregor

Paddy Pimblett wants to become a two-weight UFC champion within just three outings.

Pimblett is kicking off the UFC‘s stacked 2026 schedule as he faces Justin Gaethje for the interim lightweight title on January 24.

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The winner of the bout is set to earn a shot Ilia Topuria‘s full title, according to UFC CEO Dana White.

Which means that should Pimblett emerge victorious from his clash with Gaethje, he will finally have the chance to fight his long-term rival.

As he prepares for the biggest night of his career so far, Pimblett has already set his sights on matching a rare feat achieved by Conor McGregor.

Only a handful of fighters have managed to join McGregor in the illustrious club of two-division champions, and Pimblett is confident that he can do exactly that.

Pimblett explained to Red Corner MMA: “I knew I’d end up fighting for the belt anyway.

“To fight a legend like Justin Gaethje for the interim belt is – I’ve paid my dues to get this, lad.

“I’ve always knew I’d end up fighting for the title, and I’ll win this interim belt.

“Then I’ll beat up Ilia and take the proper belt, defend that, and then I’ll go up and f*****g win the welterweight belt.”

He is currently unbeaten in his seven-fight run in the promotion, but to join the elite club, he must first secure gold in one division.

If Pimblett can get past both Gaethje and Topuria to become 155lbs champion, he would then need to beat the 170lbs title holder Islam Makhachev.

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Makhachev outpointed Jack Della Maddelena in the main event of UFC 322 to snatch the belt, and would certainly prove a tough test for Pimblett, given his dominant streak so far.

Can Paddy Pimblett become a two-weight champion?

For now, Gaethje is the first obstacle in the way of him being able to do so, but Pimblett doesn’t seem fazed by the challenge.

The Liverpudlian stated: “I think everyone’s going to be shocked, to be honest, because I think I’m going to knock him out.

“So, people won’t expect that. People think I’m just going to try to grapple and take him down, but I’m not.

“I’m going to come out, and I’m going to put it on him. I don’t see him getting past the third, just like Chandler.”