If Paddy Pimblett gets the call to fight Ilia Topuria, he certainly won’t be lacking in confidence.
This summer, Topuria became the tenth fighter in UFC history to win belts in multiple divisions when he knocked out Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317. Immediately afterward, Topuria faced off with Pimblett, who was sitting cageside for the event, potentially setting up a long-awaited grudge match between the two. However, Topuria has yet to have his first title defense booked, but if it does end up being Pimblett, “The Baddy” thinks it will be light work.
“I’d absolutely smash his face in for him,” Pimblett told James Sweetnam. “I can see myself beating him anywhere the fight goes, to be honest. People have put him on a pedestal now; they think he’s this big, amazing thing, but I’ll bring him crashing back down to Earth in a big way.”
Pimblett and Topuria have been beefing for many years at this point. The two nearly came to blows multiple times in 2022, all tracing back to comments Pimblett made about Topuria’s home country of Georgia. At the time, Topuria was a featherweight, so a bout between them didn’t make sense, but now Topuria is the lightweight champion, and Pimblett is No. 6 in the UFC lightweight rankings and riding a seven-fight win streak.
Still, Pimblett may not be the man who gets the first crack at Topuria. Currently, rumors are swirling that the UFC wants Topuria to defend his title in January as the main event of the new UFC-Paramount broadcast deal, and Pimblett and former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje are rumored to be in contention for the title shot.
TOP STORIES
Off. MVP, Netflix pull the plug on Jake Paul vs. Tank Davis event.
Beef. Jake Paul trashes Tank Davis after fight cancellation: ‘An actual walking human piece of garbage.’
Gambling. UFC issues statement on Isaac Dulgarian fight amid betting controversy at UFC Vegas 110.
Let go. Isaac Dulgarian reportedly released after controversial loss at UFC Vegas 110.
Nope. Francis Ngannou shoots down Jake Paul boxing match: ‘I have no interest in that.’
Weight. Islam Makhachev estimates he was ‘60, 70 percent’ on fight night after lightweight cut.
Return. ‘You could die’: Maycee Barber details 18-month odyssey dealing with health issues to finally make UFC return.
VIDEO STEW
Maycee Barber interview.
Best fights in every division. Only a few quibbles with this list.
Good Guy/Bad Guy.
Francis Ngannou on Jake Paul.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Jake Paul?
Well, this is not ideal.
This is gonna be all anyone talks about now in every weird fight.
Poatan has jokes.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This might be a hot take, but I’ve watched the Dulgarian thing several times now and I don’t think he took a dive. I’m open to him fighting compromised, but if he was taking a dive, Dulgarian is a terrific actor. And MMA fighters are all terrible actors.
Also, Pimblett-Topuria, UFC 324. Let’s just book this and be done already. No idea why we’re dragging this out. It’s two months away!
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