Ilia Topuria, after winning the UFC lightweight title, seeks a fight with rival Paddy Pimblett, stemming from a longstanding feud, and anticipates settling their differences in the cage by the end of the year.
Ilia Topuria made a statement at UFC 317. Now, he’s ready to add a little fun to his next fight.
After knocking out Charles Oliveira in the first round and claiming the vacant lightweight title, Topuria called out Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett, sitting ringside, joined Topuria in the cage, where they exchanged heated words before Topuria gave him a shove.
At the post-fight press conference, Topuria explained why Pimblett is the perfect first challenger. “With Charles, it was tough because I really like him,” Topuria said. “He’s surrounded by good people and is just a great human being. But hey, it’s competition.”
“With Paddy? Oh, I’ll enjoy kicking his ass,” he added with a grin.
The rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett isn’t new. It started in 2021 over comments Pimblett made about Georgia and Russia. Things escalated in March 2022 with a hotel altercation in London. Despite fighting in different weight classes, the tension simmered.
Now, with Topuria moving to lightweight and Pimblett unbeaten in the 155-pound division, the timing feels right for a showdown.
UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t thrilled about their impromptu faceoff, citing safety concerns. “I heard Dana was a bit angry,” Topuria admitted. “But he wasn’t there, so maybe it had to happen.”
Topuria is eyeing a return by year’s end, and Pimblett seems ready. If they clash in the U.S., Topuria hopes American fans will rally behind him, especially after facing favorites like Volkanovski and Holloway.
“Absolutely,” Topuria said, confident of winning over the crowd. “Maybe with Paddy.”