Following an intense night of fights in Las Vegas where Paddy Pimblett confronted new champion Ilia Topuria, rumors surfaced about a potential fight between Pimblett and Justin Gaethje for the UFC 319 co-main event. However, Pimblett has firmly denied any plans to fight in August, dispelling speculation around a Justin Gaethje fight denial.
The Liverpool fighter made his stance clear on social media, emphasizing that a fight within the next six weeks is not on his agenda. With UFC 319 approaching, Pimblett’s need to cut significant weight to make the lightweight limit and properly prepare likely rules out an August fight. Meanwhile, Justin Gaethje has shown little interest in competing for a title shot unless it’s directly against a champion.
Pimblett Draws Parallels Between Topuria Rivalry and McGregor-Nurmagomedov Clash
After a tense and physical staredown with Ilia Topuria on fight night, Paddy Pimblett sees their ongoing conflict as a naturally compelling matchup, comparing their hatred to one of the sport’s most famous rivalries. Appearing on Eric Nicksick’s Verse Us podcast, Pimblett expressed deep animosity towards Topuria, stating that their fight is the only one that truly makes sense right now.
Pimblett explained that unlike many promotional rivalries, the bitterness between him and Topuria is genuine, saying he wants the fight to be long and punishing rather than ending quickly. This intensity sets their bout apart as something fans would want to see unfold over several rounds.
I don’t want a quick knockout, I want to put him through pain.
—Paddy Pimblett
I’d like that fight to go four minutes, fifty seconds into the fifth round, and I’ve landed 907 elbows… disfiguring his face
—Paddy Pimblett
The Roots of Pimblett’s Feud with Ilia Topuria: From Social Media to Physical Altercation
The origins of the bitter relationship between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria date back to 2021, beginning with a social media dispute involving Guram Kutateladze. After Kutateladze called out Pimblett following a close win over Mateusz Gamrot in his UFC debut, Pimblett dismissed him and referred to Georgian fighters using an offensive term, which ignited Topuria’s ire.
Topuria responded strongly, condemning Pimblett for disrespecting Georgia’s history and the tragic impact of Russian attacks on innocent lives. Pimblett later deleted his post and apologized, admitting he was unaware of the full historical context. Despite this, tensions escalated further after a physical confrontation captured by The Mac Life in 2022, keeping their rivalry very much alive.
You think that’s funny?! In that attack by Russia against us, many innocent people lost their lives, including children! The one who supports terrorism and racism is one of them! This tweet will haunt you for life!@PaddyTheBaddy
—Ilia Topuria
Though previously fighting in different weight classes, the fact that Topuria now holds the lightweight championship suggests a potential showdown between the two could finally happen inside the Octagon, adding more urgency to their feud.
Where the Justin Gaethje Fight Rumors Stand
Speculation about a fight between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje gained traction after Dricus Du Plessis appeared to leak the matchup for UFC 319. However, Pimblett’s public rejection of an August fight date has cast serious doubt on these rumors. Given the physical demands involved in maintaining his fighting weight and the limited preparation time, Pimblett is unlikely to face Gaethje soon.
Meanwhile, Gaethje’s recent comments make it clear that he is focused on securing high-stakes title fights rather than stepping into the cage against any opponent. He also addressed his manager Ali Abdelaziz’s earlier remarks about retirement, affirming he will continue fighting but only against reigning champions.
What This Means for UFC Fans and the Lightweight Division
The denial of a bout between Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje postpones a highly anticipated matchup, leaving fans to redirect their attention toward Pimblett’s feud with Ilia Topuria. With real hostility simmering between these two lightweight fighters, a clash promises to be one of the most intense in recent memory. Should that fight materialize, it could significantly impact the lightweight division’s dynamic and title race.
For now, fans must wait and watch how Pimblett’s preparations progress and whether Topuria will continue to push for a showdown. The evolving tension between the two rivals suggests that their conflict could become one of the defining stories of the UFC’s lightweight weight class in the coming months.