Ilia Topuria has launched a scathing attack on Paddy Pimblett just two weeks before his UFC lightweight title bout against Charles Oliveira. The Spanish-Georgian fighter, who already holds the featherweight belt, didn't mince words when discussing potential future opponents.
"The Matador" has three possible challengers lined up if he defeats Oliveira at UFC 317 in Las Vegas: Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and Pimblett. When asked specifically about the British fighter during an ESPN interview with Carlos Legaspi, Topuria didn't hold back.
"Paddy Pimblett is another hypocrite. We once shared a press conference and he told me 'I'm fighting in a main event and you're in the preliminaries' or some nonsense like that, and now I wonder: I have two belts, you, where are you? Who the hell is Paddy Pimblett right now? And why would he deserve to fight me right now?" Topuria stated.
The bad blood between these fighters stems from an incident at a Fight Night event in London back in 2022. Since then, their rivalry has only intensified.
Interestingly, despite his harsh criticism, Topuria admitted he would actually choose Pimblett as his next opponent if given the option.
"If I could choose a fight, I would fight him because he's really annoying, honestly, he's a pain in the ass. I would love to give that fight to all the fans because, for a long time now, I don't think there's been a real fight in the UFC. Two people who really want to hit each other and what better than to do it in front of everyone and give them a show. I know what's going to happen and it won't be good for him. What's going to happen? The same thing that's happened to everyone else," he concluded.
Should Topuria capture the lightweight title on June 28, a showdown with Pimblett could materialize later this year. However, UFC brass will need to decide whether to book this heated rivalry or grant one of the other contenders their shot first.
By the way, Gaethje has threatened retirement if his next fight isn't for the championship, while Tsarukyan responded by wishing him a happy retirement. Drama in the lightweight division? You bet.
