Ilia Topuria has openly declared his desire to face Paddy Pimblett next, declaring a strong rivalry fueled by personal animosity. With the UFC lightweight title fight scheduled for late June in Las Vegas, Topuria expressed his frustration and eagerness to settle scores with Pimblett, making the
“Paddy Pimblett next UFC opponent rivalry”
a focal point in the lead-up to UFC 317.
Topuria’s Open Challenge and Unfolding Rivalry
At 28 years old, Ilia Topuria is preparing to face Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight title. This opportunity arose after Islam Makhachev vacated the belt to move up to welterweight. Before this crucial title matchup, Topuria emphasized his intense dislike for fellow UFC star Paddy Pimblett, 30, calling him a hypocrite and openly admitting his hatred. The two fighters’ antagonism dates back several years, creating one of the most talked-about tensions within the MMA world.
Topuria shared his thoughts about Pimblett just days before UFC 317 in an interview with ESPN Spain, where he did not shy away from criticizing his rival and recounting their past confrontations. The Georgian-Spanish fighter recalled a heated incident in London during UFC Fight Night 2022 when the pair came face to face at their hotel. Pimblett reportedly threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria, which led to a brief physical altercation where Topuria attempted to strike back.
Past Clashes Highlight Continuing Hostility
Their rivalry was further intensified during a UFC 282 press conference in Las Vegas, where both fighters won their bouts on the same card. Topuria taunted Pimblett, reinforcing the bitter nature of their exchanges. He remarked on his own achievements compared to Pimblett’s, insinuating a lack of credibility or status from the Liverpudlian’s side.
“Now I’m thinking, ‘I have two belts. Where are you?’”
—Ilia Topuria
Topuria’s recent successes include capturing the UFC featherweight title by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski in February 2024 and subsequently defending it by knocking out Max Holloway four months later. After these victories, he announced his decision to vacate the featherweight belt to pursue the lightweight championship, a move that allowed him to bypass several top contenders in the division.
“Who the f*** is Paddy Pimblett right now? And why would he deserve to fight me right now?”
—Ilia Topuria
Topuria made clear that his motivation to fight Pimblett is personal rather than professional, stating,
“Honestly, if I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him. He’s a pain in the a**.”
He also believes that a matchup like this would rejuvenate fan interest by delivering a genuine, heated contest, describing it as a rare opportunity where two fighters
“really want to fight each other”
and can “put on a show.”
“I know what’s going to happen, and it won’t be good for him…[it would be] what’s happened with everyone else.”
—Ilia Topuria
The Stakes Around the Lightweight Title and Rivalry Implications
Following Makhachev’s departure from the lightweight division, Topuria was quickly promoted to challenge for the vacant belt, leapfrogging established names like Justin Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, and Pimblett himself. Meanwhile, Pimblett recently strengthened his position with a dominant win over veteran Michael Chandler at UFC 314, putting him just one victory away from earning a title shot.
This buildup has fueled fan speculation that the long-standing rivalry between Topuria and Pimblett could finally reach a climax inside the Octagon. Both fighters have showcased their skills and determination, and a clash between them is widely anticipated as one of the most significant potential fights in UFC history.
Potential Impact and Next Steps in the UFC Landscape
Justin Gaethje’s recent statements about focusing solely on title fights have added pressure to the division’s dynamics, suggesting that Pimblett may face the title winner without needing to secure an additional bout. This scenario could expedite what many fans hope will be the resolution of the animosity between Topuria and Pimblett.
Their rivalry, charged with tension and personal insults, combined with their rapid rises in the UFC, creates a volatile atmosphere surrounding the lightweight title picture. If scheduled, a Topuria vs. Pimblett fight would not only deliver high stakes for the championship but also satiate long-standing fan interest in a true rivalry fight. The outcome could reshape the division’s hierarchy and leave a lasting impression on UFC history.