Paddy Pimblett is ramping up his rhetoric as he anticipates a matchup against UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria. The fight is likely to headline the inaugural UFC card on Paramount+ scheduled for January 2026. Their rivalry has intensified since a physical confrontation in 2022 at a UFC event in London.
Paddy Pimblett’s Criticism of Ilia Topuria
Pimblett has made strong accusations against Topuria. He claims that Topuria attempted to attack him while he was alone, surrounded by a group of his supporters. “He made himself famous off the back of my name. He thinks he’s too good to fight me. You wouldn’t be where you’re at without me,” Pimblett said in a recent interview.
During that time, Topuria was competing in the featherweight division while Pimblett fought at lightweight. This changed when Topuria vacated his featherweight title and moved up to lightweight, ultimately capturing the 155-pound title by defeating Charles Oliveira in June.
Fight Stakes and Rivalry
Pimblett feels he should have been Topuria’s first opponent upon his transition to lightweight. “I said when he moved up to lightweight, I should be the one to welcome him,” he mentioned. The upcoming fight now carries additional weight, as the UFC title will be on the line.
- Paddy Pimblett: Asserts he should have faced Topuria earlier.
- Ilia Topuria: Recently won the UFC lightweight title.
The rivalry also extends to their soccer fandom. Topuria celebrated his title win in a Real Madrid game and expressed a desire to host a fight at Madrid’s iconic Bernabéu Stadium. However, Pimblett questions Topuria’s allegiance to Spanish soccer.
Questioning Authenticity
Pimblett disputes Topuria’s ties to Spain and Georgia, claiming, “He’s not Spanish… He’s German. He fakes to be Georgian and Spanish to get more fans.” Although Topuria was born in Germany to Georgian refugees, he moved to Spain as a child. This, Pimblett argues, indicates a lack of authentic connection to the countries Topuria claims to represent.
“He just jumped on the coattails to get more fans and more followers,” Pimblett added. He also alleged that many of Topuria’s social media followers are purchased, insisting, “He’s the fakest person ever.”
With the rivalry heating up, the prospect of Pimblett and Topuria finally facing off appears imminent. January could mark a pivotal moment for both fighters, as they strive to settle their long-standing grudge in the octagon.
