Paddy Pimblett issues chilling warning to huge UFC rival with brutal message
Paddy Pimblett has reignited his feud with Ilia Topuria after firing a brutal verbal jab at the former featherweight champion.
The duo have traded barbs on numerous occasions over recent years, and despite a slight moment of mutual respect at UFC London in March, the rivalry remains intense. Since joining the UFC ranks, Pimblett has maintained an unbeaten streak and is regarded as one of the promotion's top stars.
With victories against the likes of Tony Ferguson and King Green, 'The Baddy' claimed his most significant triumph to date last month, with a savage knockout of ex-Bellator lightweight king Michael Chandler. The Scouser recently took a dig at Topuria, dismissing him as 'irrelevant' in the race for the lightweight crown.
Topuria's step up to 155lb to battle Charles Oliveira for the vacant title was recently confirmed, setting the stage for a mouthwatering clash at UFC 317 during International Fight Week in Vegas. If 'El Matador' secures the two-division champion status, he might opt to defend his title against Pimblett first.
Should the dust-up happen, Pimblett plans on brutally finishing his long-time rival. In a recent post to Instagram, the British star posted a photo of him kicking Chandler in the head along with a chilling messaged aimed at Topuria. 'Can't wait to land one of these on el chorizo,' Pimblett posted.
Topuria has yet to reply to the recent comments. Pimblett previously accused Topuria of being 'hand-fed' opponents by the UFC, stating: "He has done a lot in the sport, but I do still think he's been hand-fed opponents," and elaborated on his views about Topuria's past fights.
"[Max] Holloway had just been fighting at 155 [pounds], had a war with [Justin] Gaethje. Volk [Alexander Volkanovski] had just been knocked out like two months earlier. Josh Emmett was like 37. Bryce [Mitchell], as much as I love Bryce, we know he's not a striker. Every fight he had before the title, Michael Chandler beats every single one of them. I reckon Bobby Green beats every single one of them."
Regarding his future, the Liverpudlian is eyeing a clash with Justin Gaethje in October to earn a shot at the UFC lightweight title. "I know for a fact if I beat Gaethje, I'm next in line. Definitely. It could be (the next fight)," Pimblett told TNT Sports. "It's just if he says yeah or not. Because he's fighting down the rankings again. Abu Dhabi. October. That pay-per-view. That's when I want to fight. That's what I'll be gearing towards. After what I've done to (Michael) Chandler, I think I finish Justin Gaethje... Yeah, that'd be nice [to fight Gaethje].
'But I was thinking about it the other day: It's probably better if Ilia wins the belt, because he'll probably call me out and then I could just fight him. Maybe I wouldn't even fight Gaethje, [and I could] just fight Topuria... It'd be far better for my career if Ilia wins because I'd, more than likely, be his first title defence.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Glasgow Times
37 minutes ago
- Glasgow Times
Gareth Bale consortium in bid to buy Cardiff
The 35-year-old former Real Madrid and Wales forward was understood to be part of a consortium that had conversations regarding a takeover of Plymouth earlier this week, along with several other clubs, but it appears they have now turned their attention to south Wales. The Athletic reports that the consortium sent current Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan a letter of intent last month, which included financial figures, but it was rejected. Bale is seeking to be the latest big sporting name to be associated with an EFL club. A general view of Cardiff City Stadium (Nigel French/PA) His former Real team-mate Luka Modric became an investor in and co-owner of Championship side Swansea in April, while ex-NFL quarterback Tom Brady has a minority stake in Birmingham. Cardiff declined to comment on Friday night. Bale retired from football in January 2023 at the age of 33. He won five Champions League titles with Real and is the men's all-time record goalscorer for Wales with 41 in 111 caps. He was linked with an emotional move to Cardiff, his hometown club, after leaving Madrid in 2022 but instead joined MLS side LAFC. Bale featured for Wales at the 2022 World Cup – their first appearance at the global finals since 1958 – and at the Euros in 2016 and 2020. Cardiff were relegated to League One last season and appointed Brian Barry-Murphy as their new manager this week.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
‘Looks like a Wetherspoons plate' slam bemused Reading fans as new football kit is unveiled
The price takes the biscuit as well FOUR, FOUR, CHEW 'Looks like a Wetherspoons plate' slam bemused Reading fans as new football kit is unveiled Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FOOTIE fans say their team's new home shirt is driving them pottery — because it looks like a Wetherspoon pub plate. League One club Reading unveiled its kit for the 2025/26 season to the bemusement of some supporters yesterday. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Reading's new signing Paudie O'Connor models the club's new kit Credit: Instagram 3 The traditional blue hoops with a white background on the jersey now have a swirly pattern Credit: Jam Press/Reading FC 3 Some smart cookies online say it looks more like the crockery from popular pub chain Wetherspoons Credit: Jam Press/JD Wetherspoons The traditional blue hoops with a white background on the jersey now have a swirly pattern. It is meant to resemble a biscuit tin in a nod to the Berkshire town's rich trade in the snacks. The club was previously nicknamed The Biscuitmen before becoming known as The Royals. But some smart cookies online say it looks more like the crockery from the popular pub chain. Read More on Sport ARNE PLOT Wirtz deal may spark £400m Liverpool overhaul as Slot eyes Feyenoord-like revamp The price takes the biscuit as well, with the adults kit costing £103 altogether — £58 for the top, £30 for shorts and £15 for socks. For children, it is £48, £25, and £15 respectively — a total of £88. But supporters of the club, founded in 1871, seemed to be more concerned about the look of the shirts — modelled on Instagram by new signing Paudie O'Connor and by supporters in a club video. One fan online quipped: 'Looks like a Wetherspoons plate.' Another agreed: 'Wetherspoons plate kit.' A third said: 'We don't want to look like biscuits tins…not my cup of tea.' Leroy Lita scores a screamer for Reading against Crystal Palace Royals fan Matt Wilkinson commented: 'Let's hope we can do our talking on the pitch in this kit — rather than being mocked off of it for looking like a dog's dinner — served on a Spoons' plate.' One football fan added: 'Looks like my nan's wallpaper in the 70s.' Others said the jersey resembled a festive sweater, with one quipping: 'What in the Christmas kit is this?' But in a jokey reference to classier tablewear collections, Tom argued: 'If some trendy team like Venezia or Versailles came out with this, it would be lauded as one of the best shirts of the season. I think it's spectacular!'
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers spotted linking up with Conor McGregor on holiday as UFC fighter congratulates manager
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers has been snapped alongside world famous UFC fighter Conor McGregor. McGregor shared a picture of the two of them on his social media just days after a SunSport exclusive showed him throwing two punches at a man at a nightclub in Ibiza. Sign up for the Celtic newsletter Sign up 3 UFC fighter Conor McGregor Credit: AP 3 Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and Irish fighter Conor McGregor Credit: X/TheNotoriousMMA 3 Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers Credit: Alamy Rodgers, who is taking some time out ahead of the new season kicking off soon, was praised by the Irish fighter after winning the double last season. Aberdeen denied them a treble with a famous penalty shoot-out victory in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden in May. McGregor himself is a former UFC featherweight and Lightweight champion holding both titles at the same time - a historic first in the sport. And he alluded to that success in his post with the Celtic manager. McGregor wrote on twitter: "LEGENDARY DOUBLE CHAMP LINK UP! "NEXT YEAR, TREBLE! "God is great! "Congrats to the Rodgers family on the new addition to their family." Meanwhile, as the fixtures were announced for the new season, Rodgers says he is preparing for a tougher test this year ahead of facing a new-look Rangers team. He told Sky Sports: "We create our own benchmark and our own levels and we have been doing that consistently now. What's holding up Nygren Plus Kuhn & Maeda price tags REVEALED Celtic transfer special "But there is no doubt that competition makes you better in whatever sport it is, or whatever pursuit of anything you are trying to achieve. "When you have competition, it narrows the focus and we need to keep an eye on our rivals in terms of what they do and the players they might bring in and systems they play and tactics they use. "Competition is always healthy for you, and for me, it is what really drives me up here. "But ultimately it's about making Celtic as best we can possibly be." Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
