Paddy Pimblett Calls Out Charles Oliveira
Paddy Pimblett has openly wanted a fight with former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, but the matchup has not been booked. Since 2024, both men have added major results: Pimblett lost a title fight to Justin Gaethje, then rebounded with a fast submission win, while Oliveira captured the BMF belt.
The callout and what has happened since
After submitting King Green at UFC 304 in July 2024, Pimblett said he wanted to work his way toward high-profile lightweight opponents, including Oliveira. The callout was an expression of interest, not a fight announcement.
Pimblett later challenged for the interim lightweight title against Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January 2026, losing by unanimous decision. He returned with a 52-second D’Arce-choke submission of Benoît Saint Denis at UFC 329 in July. The UFC 324 results and UFC 329 results confirm both outcomes.
Where Oliveira stands
Oliveira also fought on: he defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 326 in March 2026 to win the BMF title. Pimblett renewed his interest after his July win, but no Oliveira–Pimblett bout has been announced. Oliveira’s next scheduled opponent is Diego Lopes at UFC 335 in December, so the matchup described here remains a possible future contest rather than an imminent one.
The original idea was that a win over Oliveira could strengthen Pimblett’s title case. Results since then have given both fighters fresh momentum and setbacks; the next step depends on UFC matchmaking, not a confirmed agreement between them.
Sources: UFC 324, UFC 329, and UFC 326.
Sources
Tags: MMA
