Paddy Pimblett reveals targeted UFC return date but needs dance partner: 'Everyone talks about fighting me'

Paddy Pimblett largely has been noncommittal on when his next bout could take place.

That changed Friday when Pimblett (19-3 MMA, 3-0 UFC), who served as a commentator, was interviewed on the Cage Warriors 144 broadcast.

“I’m planning on fighting Dec. 10 … UFC 282,” Pimblett said. “I’m planning on fighting on that Dec. 10 (event). I’m just waiting for an opponent, lad. I’m just waiting for an opponent to step up and sign the dotted line. Everyone talks about ‘The Baddy.’ Everyone talks about fighting me. When the contract is in front of them, they’re not as confident.”

In recent months, droves of fighters have called for a crack at one of the sport’s rising stars. Bobby Green, Ilia Topuria, Jared Gordon, Matt Frevola, Terrance McKinney, and others have all lobbied to get the fight. Despite this, pen has not hit paper.

“I don’t think there’s anyone ducking me,” Pimblett said. “I don’t think anyone would duck me, because I don’t look very scary. My style, everyone looks at it, ‘I’ll beat him. I’ll beat him.’ I don’t think anyone would duck me, because I have the recognition, as you say, the following that they haven’t gotten. Everyone is going to try to beat me and steal the hype, but no one is going to do it.”

With his named dropped in every corner of MMA social media, Pimblett was asked whom he would like to fight next if he had the choice. Callouts, however, are not for him.

“I’m the star of the show,” Pimblett said. “I don’t need to talk about anybody.”

Pimblett, 27, rides a five-fight winning streak as he awaits his fourth UFC appearance. Thus far in his promotional tenure, Pimblett holds stoppage victories over Luigi Vendramini, Rodrigo Vargas, and Jordan Leavitt.