UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett responded to Dricus du Plessiss recent assertion that hes set to feature in the UFC 319 co-main event opposite Justin Gaethje.

Paddy Pimbletts surge into the UFC lightweight title mix was further solidified when he faced off with UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria at UFC 317. The longtime rivals could be on a collision course after Topuria captured the belt by knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round on Saturday.

Pimblett is one of several top lightweights who make intriguing cases for Topurias first title defense. Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje were also cageside at UFC 317 as Topuria captured the vacant belt.

In recent days, UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis made headlines when he claimed he heard that Pimblett vs. Gaethje will serve as the UFC 319 co-main event.

Paddy Pimblett stares down his opponent in the cage at UFC 314 Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

A booking between Pimblett and Gaethje would make sense for a No. 1 contender fight. It seems like the UFC has alternate plans for Tsarukyans return to the Octagon, and Gaethje recently threatened to retire if he didnt receive a title opportunity.

After du Plessiss claims, the rumor spread like wildfire online. Gaethje never addressed the claims as he continues to work back to the cage after defeating Rafael Fiziev earlier this year at UFC 313.

Meanwhile, it didnt take long for Pimblett to address the UFC 319 rumors amid excitement over his next potential fight.

In a recent post on X , Pimblett responded to du Plessiss claims.

Yous are mad if you think Im fighting in August [LAUGHS], Pimblett posted.

As of this writing, the UFC hasnt announced anything regarding Pimblett and Gaethjes next fights. UFC CEO Dana White was dismissive of Pimblett facing Topuria next after their heated faceoff at UFC 317.

Pimblett finished Michael Chandler at UFC 314 earlier this year to catapult into the lightweight Top 10. He remains unbeaten in his UFC tenure with recent wins over Tony Ferguson, Bobby Green, and Jared Gordon.

Tsarukyan served as the UFC 317 backup fighter after his shocking last-minute withdrawal from his scheduled title fight with Islam Makhachev at UFC 311. A clash with Top 5 contender Dan Hooker could make sense for Tsarukyan after the two recently went back-and-forth on social media.

As Tsarukyan plots his return to the Octagon, he made a bold claim about the newly-minted UFC lightweight champion. Tsarukyan said that Oliveira was a tougher matchup to prepare for than a potential clash with Topuria.

Tsarukyan hasnt fought since defeating Oliveira at UFC 300 last year. Hes won four consecutive fights, including recent finishes of Beneil Dariush and Joaquim Silva.

Pimblett labeled Oliveiras UFC 317 performance as embarrassing and amateur, in stark contrast to some of the UK stars past compliments about the former titleholder.

The UFCs lightweight division is filled with headlines at the top of the title picture. As Topuria kicks off a new era, many contenders are waiting in the mix for their shot at the belt.

Dricus Du Plessis Justin Gaethje MMA Paddy Pimblett UFC UFC 319