Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria before fighting against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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Ilia Topuria Addresses Paddy Pimblett And The Buzz Around A Future Title Fight!

Topuria keeps his focus on current contenders but admits a clash with Pimblett could happen if the path aligns!

Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Ilia Topuria before fighting against Alexander Volkanovski during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett’s bad blood began in 2022 with a heated hotel confrontation in London. Security had to separate them after a water bottle was thrown. What started as a minor incident has grown into one of the sport’s most compelling storylines. Now, with Topuria preparing for a lightweight title shot against Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, the prospect of these two finally settling their differences in the octagon has fans buzzing.

Topuria brings his undefeated record and knockout power from Spain. Pimblett brings his charisma and growing skillset from Liverpool. Both men talk a big game. Both back it up with increasingly impressive performances. Pimblett just demolished former title challenger Michael Chandler at UFC 314, his seventh straight win. Topuria has steamrolled the featherweight division and now seeks a second belt. Their collision course seems inevitable if Topuria can overcome Oliveira next month. UFC matchmakers couldn’t script a better story if they tried!

Also Read: Ilia Topuria Puts His Foot Down, Sends Message To Islam Makhachev After He Moved To Welterweight

Ilia Topuria Makes Comments On Paddy Pimblett

When asked about a potential showdown with ‘The Baddy,’ Topuria didn’t mince words. He took aim at the rising contender, revealing that he knows what fight will bring him the money.

“He knows where the money is now, he has to pay for the parties he throws for himself,” said Topuria at a WOW FC press conference in Spain.

Ilia Topuria responds to Paddy Pimblett and their potential title fight that could happen in the future 👀

via: @wowfcmma press conference ( question was asked by: @IratiPratSC ) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/eQNDQlKlNS
— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) May 18, 2025

The dig references Pimblett’s notorious celebration binges between training camps. Topuria clearly sees dollar signs in Pimblett’s future, but also views him as someone chasing paydays rather than legacy.

Topuria’s comments reflect the changing dynamics of UFC matchmaking. Gone are the days when rankings alone determined title shots. Now fan interest, social media presence, and personal rivalries often drive the biggest fights. Few matchups tick all these boxes better than Topuria vs. Pimblett. Their contrasting styles, Topuria’s technical precision against Pimblett’s scrappy resilience would make for a fascinating match.

The UFC’s summer schedule just got a whole lot spicier. First, fans will see if Ilia Topuria can defeat the veteran Charles Oliveira at UFC 317. Then the dominoes will fall. Will Pimblett get his title shot? Will Makhachev return to reclaim his throne if the welterweight fight doesn’t go his way? Or will another contender upset everyone’s plans? The lightweight division has always been MMA’s most entertaining weight class. With characters like Topuria and Pimblett driving it now, that doesn’t look to change anytime soon.

(Image Credit: Gary A. Vasquez – Imagn Images)

Ilia Topuria

Paddy Pimblett

Zaid Quraishi

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I am a dedicated MMA and Boxing content writer at The Playoffs. I was instantly hooked on MMA after watching the fight between Lyoto Machida vs. Gegard Mousasi back in 2014, and since then, i have been an avid writer with a deep love for the sport and its techniques, providing readers with a thorough understanding of the sport. My favorite aspect of working at The Playoffs is the creative freedom it provides. The diverse range of topics, from listicles and SEO to news articles, keeps me engaged and motivates me to continuously improve my skills! I aim to capture the excitement of the combat sports world in my writing, acting as the middleman between fighters and their die-hard fans. It is kind of like a referee, but with words!