Media Breaking: Paddy vs Gaethje for Interim LW Belt

[Hezekiah]

As soon as it hits the mat it’s over lol.

UFC knows what it’s doing, Paddy will sub Justin. Gaethje is cashing his chips for one final payday. Ilia fights Paddy next. All as planned.

Topuria is really inactive so he's probably hoping to hold off an Arman fight until 2027, and no doubt praying someone can beat him for him.

 

[moosaev]

Well, probably, still, they have gone in different routes when it comes to Interim titles and unification fights, its all im saying, slapping an interim title for this fight makes it "PPV worthy" and of course fighters are also happy they get better pay and potential earnings from the IC.

You’re citing the exception to the rule though. In 90% of cases the interim champ gets the next shot. They won’t go a different route for the sake of someone they hate lol.

 

[moosaev]

Topuria is really inactive so he's probably hoping to hold off an Arman fight until 2027, and no doubt praying someone can beat him for him.

100%

Ilia v Arman will never happen. Total duck.

 

[El Fernas]

You’re citing the exception to the rule though. In 90% of cases the interim champ gets the next shot. They won’t go a different route for the sake of someone they hate lol.

Having him headline a card, in basically a tune-up fight is hating him?

 

[moosaev]

Having him headline a card, in basically a tune-up fight is hating him?

They didn’t have many other options. Don’t know if you noticed but the back half of 2025 has been utter dogshit. Make no mistake, they hate Arman’s guts. Not just because he screwed up the Jan PPV, he’s also difficult to deal with. Partially his fault.

 

[BigTruck]

Paddy by sub

But what kind? Italian, ham, turkey, tuna, sea food, veggie?

 

[svmr_db]

Arman should just walk, honestly. Doesn’t need the money.. go fight PFL

He'll get a title shot eventually but he's going to have to wait quite a while. He is probably better off getting one more win unfortunately, won't be any sooner than the near the end of 2026 before he can face the Ilia vs Interim title fight winner.

 

[SamuraiBro]

Paddy will walk through Justin

 

[El Fernas]

Arman should just walk, honestly. Doesn’t need the money.. go fight PFL

Needs to fight his contract out, they are not releasing him that easy, but the UFC title is more prestigious than PFL´s, by a lot, its not about the money for him.

 

[BroScienceTalkatWork]

He'll get a title shot eventually but he's going to have to wait quite a while. He is probably better off getting one more win unfortunately, won't be any sooner than the near the end of 2026 before he can face the Ilia vs Interim title fight winner.

But why take that level of disrespect? He’s rich. Financial freedom means you can control your own destiny

I have money saved up. I can tell my boss “that extra check doesn’t come in; I’m walking”

Granted. I’m not competing to win a world championship in countertop sales. He’s chasing a dream.. I get that. Still be nice to see a fighter stand up for themselves. Dana just signed a deal for 7 billion.

 

[Cameron]

But what kind? Italian, ham, turkey, tuna, sea food, veggie?

meatball

 

[Poirierfan]

Nowadays when I hear the words "interim belt" I get disgusted instead of excited.

 

[aogiri]

shoulda just let gaethje retire. If they are giving Gaethje and Lopes a shot then they are definitely giving Usman a shot.

Shit company

 

[hswrestler]

team gaethje is back mother truckers!

 

[Natural Order]

It’s crazy Arman getting shafted
But also funny as fuck
I really wanted to see Arman vs Paddy
Joostin lol

Why the long face Armando lol

View attachment 1123363

Plot Twist: Rich and angry Arman uses FU money to hire a hitman and has the bald bozo assassinated for disrespecting him like this! It's on my 2026 bingo card

 

[Deceasedxo]

Wow, didn't have Paddy getting the belt on my 2026 list. But he most likely wins this.

 

[tritestill]

Not interested

 

[humdizzle]

This is so dumb. Ilia is healthy and can fight.

My guess is hes playing hardball. Copying conor. Let paddy fight Justin. Winner fights arman for vacant undisputed. Then the ufc hypes ilias return to reclaim his title.

 

[mitch316]

Interesting take considering how beloved Gaethje is by the just bleed fanbase.
Since he’d only fight for a belt, that’d satisfy him and also give Paddy a chance to not only solidify his star power (since the Brits love him) but also set up a “champ vs champ grudge match” which is about as big of a fight as one can make.

Couldn’t agree more!

I’m a Brit and I can’t fucking stand him!

 

[linvillegorge]

Fuck it, I'm down. Fun fight. The UFC has pretty much made their belts irrelevant with the constant interim titles and dumb match ups so whatever, just give me fun fights. I don't care about the championships anymore.