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Ilia Topuria’s sudden move to Lightweight has reignited at least one old grudge match with English contender Paddy Pimblett.
Right now, Topuria is intent on challenging Islam Makhachev for the title as soon as possible. Pimblett shares that goal, but he’s also very much looking for the opportunity to finally settle his beef with Topuria in the ring. There feud has been ongoing for years now, but it’s a lot more feasible for the duo to actually compete if both are at 155-pounds.
Speaking of the Lightweight class, Pimblett is less than optimistic about Topuria’s chances. He feels the former Featherweight kingpin is too small and is making a serious mistake by vacating his title and moving up.
“That’s the fight I want,” Pimblett told Round Eight Boxing about Topuria. “I want that fight. That’s another one just to prove everyone wrong. He’s a midget, lad. He’s not a Lightweight. He shouldn’t be fighting at Lightweight, he should just stop at Featherweight. It’s gonna be the downfall of Topuria.”
He continued, “It’s a big mistake. I think he knew that in a rematch with [Alexander Volkanovski], fighting Volk when he hasn’t been knocked out 12 weeks earlier with a nasty head kick, I think he knew Volk would give him a very tough test. He said he cemented his legacy at the weight, it’s a little bit of bulls—t. Beat Volk again, beat Lopes, beat Evloev, then you’ve cleared the division out and move on. Champions are too quick to want to move on now and not defend the belt.”
Topuria vs. Pimblett is distinctly more possible now than at any point previous. If Pimblett is victorious versus Michael Chandler, it could be a title eliminator. Alternatively, Pimblett could end up facing “El Matador” after Topuria meets Islam Makhachev, win or lose. A grudge match between two young UFC stars? UFC would be all over it.
Pimblett just has to stay in the win column, and it’s suddenly a real possibility.
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— InsideFighting (@InsideFighting_) February 24, 2025
Henry Cejudo and Song Yadong both want the rematch, but without Dana on board, I doubt it happens.
Bro, of course, I’m more than happy to have a rematch with you. The first three rounds were just my warm-up. My plan was to turn it up in the fourth round and KO you—you know that. Tell the UFC to set it up, I’m ready to sign the contract anytime.
— Song Yadong (@SongYadongLFG) February 24, 2025
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— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) February 24, 2025
