Ilia Topuria has launched a scathing attack on Paddy Pimblett just two weeks before his UFC lightweight title fight against Charles Oliveira. The Spanish-Georgian fighter, who already holds the featherweight belt, didn't mince words when discussing potential future opponents.
"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 on the preliminaries' or some nonsense like that. Now I wonder: I have two belts, you, where are you? Who the hell is that Paddy Pimblett right now? And why would he deserve to fight me?" Topuria stated in an interview with ESPN.
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 the harsh words, Topuria admitted he would choose Pimblett as his next opponent if given the choice. Why? Simply because he can't stand him.
"If I could choose a fight, I'd fight him because he's really annoying, to be honest. I'd love to give that fight to all the fans because, for a long time, I don't think there's been a real fight in the UFC. Two people who really want to hit each other – what better than doing it in front of everyone and giving them a show. I know what's going to happen and it won't be good for him," El Matador added.
Before any potential showdown with Pimblett can materialize, Topuria must first overcome Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, taking place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on June 28. If successful, the UFC will have to decide whether to match him against Pimblett or other more established contenders.
The promotion currently has three names in consideration for the winner of Topuria vs Oliveira: Arman Tsarukyan, Justin Gaethje, and of course, Pimblett. Both Tsarukyan and Gaethje have been waiting longer for their title shots, with Gaethje even threatening retirement if his next fight isn't for the championship.
Can Topuria capture his second UFC belt and potentially set up the grudge match he clearly desires? The first step comes in just two weeks.
