Athlon Sports. UFC fighter and MMA artist Paddy Pimblett has never lacked confidence, and now the Liverpool native is eyeing a future that extends beyond the Octagon. Before that, though, he wants to make history by beating the reigning champion and No.

And despite Dana White criticizing Gaethje’s threat to retire if he doesn’t get a title shot next, Topuria’s manager Lukasz Orzel recently told Kanał Sportowy that the former interim champ is the “closest” to getting the fight.

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.