Ilia Topuria is just two weeks away from competing against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, a match that could crown him as a champion in two different divisions. Despite this pressing challenge, Topuria already has another name firmly on his radar for a potential future fight: Paddy Pimblett. The prospect of facing Pimblett has stirred strong emotions in Topuria, who expressed his feelings clearly in a recent interview with ESPN Deportes.
Topuria’s History and Thoughts on Pimblett
When asked about future opponents should he secure the vacant lightweight title on June 28, Topuria did not hesitate to bring up Paddy Pimblett. He labelled Pimblett a hypocrite and recalled a previous interaction at a press conference where Pimblett seemingly belittled Topuria’s position on the card. Topuria questioned Pimblett’s standing, saying he now holds two featherweight belts and demanded why Pimblett would deserve to fight him at this point in his career.
Honestly, if I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him. He’s a pain in the ass.
—Ilia Topuria
Past Clashes and Their Escalating Rivalry
The tension between Topuria and Pimblett has been building for several years, with clashes occurring at hotels and multiple press conferences as both fighters rose through the UFC ranks. Topuria has primarily competed at featherweight, where he earned a world title, while Pimblett has been fighting at lightweight. However, after vacating his featherweight belt to move up a weight class, Topuria and Pimblett are now in the same division, setting the stage for a possible showdown. Topuria emphasized that fans would be eager to watch a fight fueled by real hostility.
I’d love to give that fight to the fans because for a long time, I believe that in the UFC you haven’t seen a real fight,
Topuria said.
Two people who really want to fight each other and what better way than to fight in front of everyone and put on a show. I know what’s going to happen and it won’t be good for him.
—Ilia Topuria
Pimblett’s Rise and Implications for the Lightweight Division
Pimblett is currently on an impressive nine-fight winning streak with a perfect 7-0 record inside the UFC. His recent victories over fighters like Michael Chandler, King Green, and Tony Ferguson have elevated his status significantly. One more win could position Pimblett as the leading contender for Topuria’s lightweight title once he claims it. This sequence of events places the potential Topuria-Pimblett clash within reach, generating considerable anticipation within the UFC community.
Topuria’s Warning Ahead of a Potential Matchup
While Topuria welcomes the prospect, he also issues a serious warning about what could happen if they meet in the Octagon. When prompted about the outcome for Pimblett if the fight takes place, Topuria was direct in his response, implying Pimblett would face the same fate as other opponents he has defeated at lightweight.
What’s happened with everyone else.
The Stakes and Future Impact on UFC Fans
The upcoming UFC 317 fight against Oliveira could dramatically change the course of Topuria’s career, making him a dual-division champion. Following this, the widely anticipated confrontation with Paddy Pimblett could ignite one of the most intense rivalries currently brewing in the UFC. Their history of personal disputes combined with their shared division promises a bout that could captivate fans and showcase genuine combat rivalry. This potential fight holds significance not only for the fighters’ legacies but also for the competitive landscape of the UFC lightweight division.