Sean O’Malley Urges UFC to Pay Whatever It Takes for Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett TUF Season

Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett could square off as opposing coaches on a future season of The Ultimate Fighter, a matchup that has drawn public support from former UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley.

Sean O’Malley Backs Financial Push For Coaches

The potential pairing between the featherweight champion Topuria and the lightweight contender Pimblett has generated significant discussion across the Ultimate Fighting Championship roster, where the idea has resonated deeply within the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion. Speaking on his YouTube channel, O’Malley argued that the promotion should meet whatever financial demands both fighters require to sign on for the show, noting that the American became the first fighter to publicly endorse the proposal. “Pay them whatever it takes,” O’Malley said regarding the prospective television pairing. The former bantamweight titleholder, known as ‘The Suga Show’ inside the octagon, emphasized his perspective as a fan first and a fighter second, highlighting how spectacular a coaching stint featuring Ilia and Paddy would be for UFC enthusiasts as part of a high-profile reality series where two teams face off under prominent fighters. Furthermore, O’Malley expressed his desire to see El Matador and The Baddy finally face each other inside the most famous cage in the world after the show concludes. Paddy, Ilia, The Ultimate Fighter and a fight at the end of all that, O’Malley stated.

Dana White Evaluates The Reality Television Concept

UFC Chief Executive Officer Dana White addressed the proposed coaching matchup during the post-fight press conference following UFC 332, stating that he likes the concept. I love the idea, he asserted. However, White emphasized that the organization must observe how the lightweight division and overall circumstances develop before formalizing any plans for the reality series.

Paddy Pimblett Outlines His Plans For The Show

Pimblett first raised the prospect of a bout against Topuria when asked about a potential meeting in the cage, having previously floated the concept years earlier. The Liverpool native reiterated his interest in a coaching stint on his YouTube channel, asserting that he would make the matchup entertaining for viewers and noting that he and the Hispanic-Georgian fighter would bring television ratings back to the program. Ilia and I would do a brilliant season of TUF, Pimblett said. I would have him on edge for six weeks. The Baddy added that he would make his rival constantly uncomfortable so that he would not know where to look or what to say.

Division Timeline And Next Steps

No official timeline or fighter agreements have been confirmed for the next installment of The Ultimate Fighter, leaving the proposal entirely hypothetical while the roster begins to take sides.