Charles Oliveira now faces a fresh verbal challenge from Paddy Pimblett after the UFC 329 co-main event in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026.

Pimblett’s post-fight trash talk has put Oliveira in his crosshairs. The Scouser dominated Benoit Saint-Denis with a 52-second guillotine at UFC 329, then told reporters he’d tap out or choke out the man with the most submissions in UFC history.

What did Pimblett say about Charles Oliveira?

Pimblett didn’t hold back. “I was talking about it 10 minutes ago, I’d submit Charles,” he told reporters after his win. “I’ve got nothing but respect for Charles. He’s an absolute legend in the sport. But he’s on his way out. I think if he tried to grapple with me, I’d submit him.”

The comment came just hours after Pimblett’s lightning submission of Saint-Denis. Oliveira, the UFC’s all-time submission leader, wasn’t on the card that night. But his name was front and center in Pimblett’s mind.

Why this matters for Charles Oliveira

Oliveira remains the UFC’s active lightweight kingpin. He last fought at UFC 326 in March 2026, submitting Alexander Volkanovski via rear-naked choke in the second round. That win made him the fourth BMF champion in the division’s history.

Yet Oliveira’s next bout hasn’t been booked. He missed out on UFC 329, the card where Pimblett reclaimed momentum. Now the Brazilian must navigate a crowded lightweight picture where Pimblett, Justin Gaethje, and Ilia Topuria all have title shots in play.

What comes next for both fighters?

Pimblett’s camp is pushing for a shot at Gaethje or Topuria. A win over either would set up a potential title tilt. Oliveira, meanwhile, waits for his next call-up. The UFC’s lightweight division is wide open, and Pimblett just threw his hat into the ring.

Oliveira holds a 3-2 record in his last five fights. His last loss came to Islam Makhachev in October 2025. Since then, he’s racked up two finishes and defended his belt once. Now he must decide whether to chase Pimblett’s gauntlet or pursue a rematch with Gaethje.

Pimblett’s trash talk adds spice to the lightweight picture. Oliveira, ever the professional, hasn’t responded publicly. But the division’s top dogs know one thing: the next challenger won’t be handed anything.