Paddy Pimblett has his crosshairs fixed on his next UFC opponent.

The Liverpool man, who in April scored a career-best win over the former title challenger Michael Chandler, is seeking a top-five opponent as he plots a course to the UFC lightweight title — and says that Justin Gaethje is his most likely next test, but isn’t ruling out a showdown with longtime rival Ilia Topuria.

Former featherweight champion Topuria will seek to add a second world title to his mantle when he takes on Charles Oliveira to contest the vacant 155-pound crown at UFC 317 late next month, potentially paving the way for a Pimblett vs. Topuria bout if the Brazilian submission expert triumphs against the Spaniard — though Pimblett isn’t ruling out a title bout if Topuria wins.

But either way, Pimblett is targeting the UFC event in Abu Dhabi for the next chapter in his career.

“I’m hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that’s when I’m going to be back in the cage,” Pimblett said to BBC Sport.

“I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I’d love to beat him if he gets the belt. I’d love to fight him anyway but he’s booked, so I think it’s more than likely Justin Gaethje.”

Pimblett was recently the subject of talk from lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan — however, he says that there are bigger fights for him in the division.

“No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight,” he said. “People know it’ll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje. Tsarukyan, he’s just an absolute tool, and then it’s me and Gaethje.

“One win away and I’ll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that’s always been the aim. It’s the only aim that we have.”

Of course, another aim of Pimblett’s has been to fight in the home of his beloved Liverpool Football Club; and wants to invite UFC boss Dana White to the arena to sample the atmosphere as part of his plan to secure his dream.