Paddy Pimblett has intensified his challenge to Ilia Topuria, the reigning lightweight champion, fueling a heated rivalry between the two fighters. This latest Paddy Pimblett Ilia Topuria callout has stirred significant excitement among MMA fans eager for a showdown between these two competitors.
The tension between Pimblett and Topuria reportedly began after Pimblett engaged in an online dispute involving Topuria’s compatriot Guram Kutateladze. This exchange escalated further when Pimblett posted a contentious tweet perceived by many to reference the Russo-Georgian conflict. Since then, their animosity has only grown stronger, especially following Topuria’s landmark victory at <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC 317 that earned him the lightweight title. Topuria has expressed interest in facing Pimblett in the cage, setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation.
Most recently, Pimblett reinforced his desire for the fight during an Instagram post, writing:
“Just waiting on that [telephone emoji] el chorizo I’m coming for youuuuu.”
This declaration quickly gained traction on social media, sparking vivid debate among fans and commentators. Some viewed the callout as a strategic yet audacious move, while others downplayed Pimblett’s chances. Reactions included:
“Paddy calling out the champ while Arman [Tsarukyan] [is] standing right there is peak UFC matchmaking. Easy money fights > real contenders. Business model exposed in 4K.”
“Paddy calling out Ilia like he stands a chance lmao adorable.”
“This fight is going to be ENORMOUS when it happens.”
Pimblett’s early criticism and plans for Topuria
Before Topuria claimed the lightweight championship, Pimblett was openly skeptical about his potential at 155 pounds. In an appearance on Tobin Talks, Pimblett described Topuria as “tiny” and questioned his ability to compete at lightweight. Pimblett predicted he would dominate Topuria if they were to meet in the octagon, explaining his approach in detail:
“I don’t understand why he’s moved up; he is tiny. Saying he can’t make the weight, he is tiny. He’s not even a big featherweight, never mind big enough for lightweight. If he fights Islam, he’ll get manhandled and submitted… I think I’ll also manhandle him. Anyone who he’s ever fought has only had a boxing match with him… If I fought him, I’d just kick him around the cage, until I took him down and submitted him.”
Such remarks highlight the intensity of Pimblett’s confidence and the deep rivalry simmering beneath the surface as both fighters continue to make statements ahead of a potentially explosive matchup. As their conflict escalates, the fight is widely anticipated to become one of the most talked-about contests in the lightweight division.