A Heated Rivalry Continues Between Pimblett and Topuria

The ongoing rivalry between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria has reignited as Pimblett once again questioned the featherweight champion’s ability to compete at lightweight. While both fighters have taken different career paths, the Liverpudlian insists he is the perfect opponent to welcome Topuria to the 155-pound division.

Pimblett Dismisses Topuria’s Size and Calls for a Staredown

Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) made his lightweight ranking debut with a submission win over King Green at UFC 304. Meanwhile, Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) dominated the featherweight division, capturing the title with a stunning knockout victory over Max Holloway. However, Pimblett remains unconvinced of Topuria’s ability to hang with bigger fighters.

“Ilia’s a midget,” Pimblett said in an interview with Daniel Cortes. “People don’t understand how much bigger I am than Ilia. I’m so much bigger than him – people don’t realize. I’d love to do a staredown with him, just so everyone can see how much bigger I actually am than him.”

Pimblett Criticizes Topuria’s Fast-Tracked Title Shot

While Pimblett acknowledges Topuria’s skills, he believes the Georgian-Spaniard did not earn his title shot the hard way.

“Don’t get me wrong – he’s very good. Just because I don’t like him doesn’t mean I’m going to sit here and lie. He’s a very good fighter,” Pimblett admitted. “But I also think he got fast-tracked to the belt because Volkanovski had already cleared out the featherweight division. He only beat Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett and got a title shot. He didn’t even have to beat Brian Ortega, Yair Rodriguez, or Arnold Allen.”

Pimblett also argued that Topuria’s win over Volkanovski was circumstantial.

“I personally don’t think he knocks Volk out unless Volk got head-kicked 12 weeks before by Islam. I think Volk fought far too soon. He was winning the first and second rounds until he got caught,” Pimblett said.

Furthermore, Pimblett believes Topuria should defend his featherweight belt at least three times before moving up to lightweight.

“He’s talking about coming up to lightweight when he’s only had one title defense. I think you need to defend the belt at least three times if you want to fight for the belt in the division above. But if he wants to come to lightweight, I’m here waiting. I don’t think anyone else in the division has more of a claim to welcome him than I do. I’d love to have a fair fight with him and kick him all over the gaff,” Pimblett stated.

The Liverpool native also revealed that the UFC is planning to book him against a top-eight opponent for his next fight, likely at a pay-per-view event in Miami. “I don’t do Fight Nights anymore, the UFC knows I belong on PPV,” he added.

Topuria Responds – Blasts Pimblett Over Disrespectful Comments

In a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, Topuria did not hold back when addressing his issues with Pimblett.

“Please, don’t even compare me to that bum because we are on different levels, and everyone can see that now,” Topuria said. “He was very disrespectful to me, my country, and my people. He behaved like a fcking idiot. He started talking about the war we had against Russia.”*

Topuria referenced a controversial statement Pimblett made about Georgia.

“He said something like, ‘Now I understand why the Russians put the bombs in Georgia.’ Many kids died in that war. Many people died. When you joke about things like that, just make sure we don’t find each other anywhere because I’m going to take your fcking head off.”*

The featherweight champion also confirmed his ambitions to move up in weight but emphasized that he seeks true challenges.

“I don’t like being a bully and fighting people I know I’ll destroy. I want to fight opponents that fans think will be competitive. That’s what excites me,” Topuria explained.

He also believes he has what it takes to dethrone lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

“Islam is a great champion – you don’t become a world champion by accident. But I know I can beat him. All I need is one punch, and I know I’ll land it.”

Topuria Reflects on His Journey and Holloway Knockout

Topuria also shared his thoughts on his meteoric rise in the sport and his knockout victory over Holloway.

“People were shocked because Max had never been knocked out, but I always knew it would happen. I don’t know where my power comes from, but I believe it’s a gift from God,” he said.

He credited his striking ability to patience and precision rather than reckless aggression.

“I don’t just throw wild punches – I wait for the right moment and make sure I hit where it hurts the most,” Topuria explained.

From a Tough Childhood to UFC Stardom

Topuria also opened up about his difficult upbringing and how it shaped him into the fighter he is today. Born in Germany to Georgian parents, he moved back to Georgia as a child before eventually relocating to Spain at the age of 15.

“My parents left us in Georgia when I was young to try to build a better life in Europe. It was a tough time, right after the war with Russia, and it wasn’t easy growing up without them,” Topuria shared.

His introduction to MMA was a coincidence – his mother spotted a man with cauliflower ears on a bus and asked if he knew where her sons could train wrestling. The man turned out to be a Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioner, and he directed them to a local gym.

“Since the day we stepped into that gym, we never left,” Topuria recalled.

Will the Rivalry Lead to a Fight?

The bad blood between Pimblett and Topuria dates back to a near physical altercation at a London hotel in March 2022, which escalated further during the UFC 282 press conference. Now, with both fighters rising in their respective divisions, fans are wondering if their paths will cross in the octagon.

While Pimblett remains adamant that he is the one to welcome Topuria to lightweight, Topuria appears more focused on title aspirations. However, with tensions running high, a future fight between the two remains a possibility.

Who would win if they met in the octagon? Let us know in the comments!

Source: MMAnytt.se

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