5 potential next opponents for Paddy Pimblett

#2. Roosevelt Roberts vs. Paddy Pimblett

Roberts holds a record of 10-3-1

Roosevelt Roberts may not be as well known as Paddy Pimblett, but the 27-year-old has already racked up nine fights in the organization. As a result, he carries more of a reputation than many of the other unranked lightweights Pimblett is likely to face next. While Roberts sports a 10-3-1 record, he also doesn't seem to carry the threat that UFC matchmakers would like to avoid for their potential star.

Roberts would have been on a 3-fight losing streak had his loss to Kevin Croom not been overturned. The fight was declared a no contest after Croom tested positive for marijuana. Roberts' last win was over Brock Weaver, who, while being a popular fighter in his own right, is no longer in the UFC.

Oh wow. Kevin Croom with the +450 cash on Roosevelt Roberts. Easy. Standing guillotine in the first, after dropping Roberts with a left. Roberts still has a ton of potential but still trying to realize it.

— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) September 12, 2020

Roberts presents a good match-up for Pimblett. He is an established UFC name that 'The Baddy' ought to be beating if he is as good as advertised. A win over Roberts would cement Pimblet as a rising star in the division and allow him to build his UFC resume.

Another fun element of this one would be the contrast in seeing the not-so-threatening-looking Pimblett taking on the mean-looking Roberts.

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#1. Michael Johnson vs. Paddy Pimblett

Johnson holds a record of 19-17

Michael Johnson has been in the octagon with some of the sport's best, including Khabib Nurmagomedov. He even owns a victory over Dustin Poirier. As a result of these battles, Johnson is a name that many UFC fans are familiar with.

Michael Johnson returns this weekend-A man who has truly faced the elite the sport has to offer.Khabib Nurmagomedov ✔Tony Ferguson ✔Nate Diaz ✔Justin Gaethje ✔Dustin Poirier✔Edson Barboza ✔Artem Lobov ✔

— Andy Hickey MMA🇮🇪 (@AndyHickeyMMA) October 20, 2019

Adding Paddy Pimblett to his list of opponents seems like a move that could help further the hype currently surrounding 'The Baddy.' The positives from the Guida match-up still apply with Johnson, only with less risk since Johnson is on a four-fight losing streak.

This bout would be a great way of continuing to introduce Paddy Pimblett to the UFC audience. It is also a bout Pimblett should be winning if he is serious about taking the lightweight division by storm.