Ilia Topuria, who recently moved back up to the lightweight division after a brief featherweight title run, faces not only Charles Oliveira but also a looming threat from Paddy Pimblett as UFC 317 approaches in Las Vegas on June 28. The escalating tension between Topuria and Pimblett has intensified the atmosphere during International Fight Week, placing focus on Pimblett’s warning that he could disrupt the upcoming main event.
Topuria ended his stint at featherweight after defending his 145-pound title in 2024, including wins over Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Now, his ambitions are set on capturing the lightweight belt currently held by Oliveira. However, Pimblett, an unbeaten lightweight contender fresh off a dominant win against Michael Chandler in Miami this April, is also positioning himself as a future challenger, further complicating Topuria’s path.
Pimblett Claims He Won’t Start Trouble but Threatens to End It
Despite not seeking conflict, Paddy Pimblett has openly warned that he will not hesitate to disrupt UFC 317 by confronting Topuria physically if provoked. Pimblett recalls a previous tense encounter in London where he was attacked by Topuria and multiple associates after a verbal dispute linked to Pimblett’s comments about Georgia on social media. He insists he is not the instigator but is prepared to defend himself aggressively.
I’m going to be there in Las Vegas on June 28 cageside,
Pimblett told Casino.org.
If he mentions me, I’ll be getting pulled into the cage and I’ll be laughing my head off. It’ll be quite funny.
—Paddy Pimblett
Pimblett emphasizes he attends events professionally with his manager and cameraman and does not seek to cause chaos, yet he is ready to respond decisively if Topuria attempts to start a fight. He also points out that an altercation could have serious consequences for UFC 317’s main event, potentially knocking Topuria out and preventing him from facing Oliveira.
I don’t cause trouble; I just turn up! The time in London when Ilia got the hand sanitizer bottle bounced off his head, I was on my own and he tried to jump me with about nine people. It’s not me who causes mischief; I’ll just be there with my manager and cameraman.
If I see him and it goes off, you never know, I might knock him out and he might not even be able to fight Oliveira. I’m not one of those who turns up to try and cause mayhem. If he wants to try and start something though, I’ll finish it, just like I did last time.
I’ll be there from Wednesday, so we’ll see what happens.
—Paddy Pimblett
Additional Tensions Emerge with Another Lightweight Rival
Topuria’s challenges extend beyond Pimblett, as Arman Tsarukyan, acting as a backup fighter for UFC 317’s main event, presents another source of conflict. The Russian-Armenian contender missed a title opportunity earlier due to injury but remains involved in a heated rivalry with Topuria. UFC officials may need to manage their interactions closely to avoid further disruptions during Fight Week.
With multiple lightweight rivals converging around Topuria in Las Vegas, the buildup to UFC 317 carries an unusual level of tension and uncertainty that could affect the event’s smooth progression. Both Pimblett’s explicit threat and Tsarukyan’s proximity create a volatile environment in the lead-up to one of the year’s most significant mixed martial arts events.