Paddy Pimblett targets Ilia Topuria for UFC fight

Paddy Pimblett has reignited his long-standing rivalry with Ilia Topuria by positioning the lightweight fighter as his next logical opponent inside the UFC lightweight division. Speaking on the All Out Fighting YouTube channel, Pimblett outlined a potential matchup against Topuria for the first half of 2027, cutting through a crowded division where top contenders are currently tied up with other bouts.

Pimblett Maps Out the Lightweight Landscape

With major contenders booked or facing uncertain futures, Pimblett argued that a collision course with Topuria makes the most sense for the division’s timeline. In his interview with All Out Fighting, the Liverpool native broke down the current rankings above him. Charles Oliveira is slated to face Lopes, Arman Tsarukyan is lined up against Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway is projected to complete a trilogy with Conor McGregor. That leaves Topuria as the primary ranked opponent available to face Pimblett.

In my division, todos los luchadores parecen estar ocupados, Pimblett explained in the interview, mapping out the remaining options before landing on Topuria. Así que solo me queda Ilia.

The matchup would capitalize on a feud that has simmered for years through verbal jabs and social media back-and-forth. Pimblett indicated he wants to return to the Octagon in March or April rather than fighting in January, aligning with the expected recovery timeline for Topuria.

Topuria Recovery and the Gaethje Fallout

Topuria has returned to training in Georgia following injuries sustained during his grueling battle against Justin Gaethje. While the exact date for El Matador’s return remains unconfirmed by UFC leadership, industry timelines point toward the second quarter of 2027 as a realistic window for his comeback.

The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria intensified sharply following Topuria’s first professional defeat against Gaethje. A report stated that Topuria returned from a three-month social media hiatus to suggest that officials should have checked Gaethje’s gloves before the fight, writing on social media, La próxima vez me aseguraré de que revisen los guantes de Justin para que no les ponga nada raro.

Those remarks drew swift condemnation from across the MMA community. Pimblett blasted Topuria in his YouTube broadcast, labeling him a perdedor resentido (resentful loser) and noting that athletic commissions closely monitor hand-wrapping and equipment before fighters step into the cage.

Contrasting Reactions and Division Stakes

Gaethje also fired back at Topuria’s comments regarding the bout’s equipment, telling a report that the remarks amounted to a lame excuse for a poor performance: 94 días y lo mejor que se te ocurrió es una excusa lamentable. Tan terrible como tu última actuación. Hazlo mejor, pequeño. Athletic commissions have not recorded any irregularities or proof that Gaethje altered his gloves.

This war of words builds upon Pimblett’s previous criticisms of Topuria’s demeanor following his loss to Gaethje. Eurosport previously recorded Pimblett questioning Topuria’s competitive spirit after the fight, noting that Topuria’s aura of invincibility has been broken. With Arman Tsarukyan positioning himself near the top of the division following a knockout win over Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331, the lightweight title picture remains fluid.

While UFC CEO Dana White and the promotion’s matchmakers hold final authority over booking decisions, Pimblett’s public push has set the stage for what could become one of the most anticipated grudge matches in the promotion’s history.

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