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Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Ilia Topuria performs another Paddy Pimblett U-turn ahead of UFC 317 after seemingly squashing beef with Brit
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ILIA TOPURIA has seemingly performed yet another U-turn on Paddy Pimblett. The pair almost came to blows at the UFC London fighter hotel in March 2022 after Topuria confronted the submission specialist over comments he made about his fellow Georgians. 5 Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett almost came to blows at the UFC London fighter hotel in March 2023 Credit: INSTAGRAM@ILIATOPURIA 5 But the pair appeared to squash their beef at the most recent UFC London weigh-ins Credit: X@CHISANGA_MALATA 5 Topuria has since revealed he hates Pimblett and wants to knock his block off Credit: GETTY A public war of words has played out over the last three years, although the duo seemingly put their differences aside with a brief embrace at the most recent UFC London weigh-ins. But Topuria, who fights for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 next weekend, insists he still has immense disdain for 'The Baddy'. The 28-year-old said of Pimblett in an interview with ESPN Deportes: 'He's a hypocrite. "I'll tell you, I remember we shared a press conference once, and he said something like, 'I'm fighting in the main card, and you're on the prelims,' some kind of nonsense. READ MORE ON ILIA TOPURIA 'DIDN'T WANT TO' Ilia Topuria explains reason for major career change ahead of UFC 317 "And now I'm thinking, I have two belts. Where are you? "Who the f**k is Paddy Pimblett right now and why would he deserve to fight me right now?" Former featherweight king Topuria has already earmarked Pimblett, who picked up the biggest win of his career against Michael Chandler in April, as his next opponent. He said: "Honestly, if I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him. He's a pain in the ass. JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 5 Surging Brit contender Paddy Pimblett has welcomed a showdown with Ilia Topuria Credit: REX "I'd love to give that fight to the fans, because for a long time, I believe that in the UFC, you haven't seen a real fight. "Two people who really want to fight each other, and what better way than to fight in front of everyone and put on a show? Ilia Topuria Trains For UFC 317 Clash With Charles Oliveira "I know what's going to happen, and it won't be good for him." Topuria has the small matter of beating former 155lbs titleholder and fan favourite Charles Oliveira before he can think about settling the score with Pimblett. But 'El Matador' believes he'll make light work of the Brazilian, saying: "Charles is a great fighter. "I'd say he's a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC. "But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine to put him to sleep in the first round. "Because he has no mobility, he doesn't move."
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Ilia Topuria performs another Paddy Pimblett U-turn ahead of UFC 317 after seemingly squashing beef with Brit
ILIA TOPURIA has seemingly performed yet another U-turn on Paddy Pimblett. The Advertisement 5 Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett almost came to blows at the UFC London fighter hotel in March 2023 Credit: INSTAGRAM@ILIATOPURIA 5 But the pair appeared to squash their beef at the most recent UFC London weigh-ins Credit: X@CHISANGA_MALATA 5 Topuria has since revealed he hates Pimblett and wants to knock his block off Credit: GETTY A public war of words has played out over the last three years, although the duo seemingly put their differences aside with a brief embrace at the most recent UFC London weigh-ins. But Topuria, who fights for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 next weekend, insists he still has immense disdain for 'The Baddy'. The 28-year-old said of Pimblett in an interview with "I'll tell you, I remember we shared a press conference once, and he said something like, 'I'm fighting in the main card, and you're on the prelims,' some kind of nonsense. Advertisement READ MORE ON ILIA TOPURIA "And now I'm thinking, I have two belts. Where are you? "Who the f**k is Former featherweight king Topuria has already earmarked Pimblett, He said: "Honestly, if I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him. He's a pain in the ass. Advertisement Most read in MMA JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS 5 Surging Brit contender Paddy Pimblett has welcomed a showdown with Ilia Topuria Credit: REX "I'd love to give that fight to the fans, because for a long time, I believe that in the UFC, you haven't seen a real fight. "Two people who really want to fight each other, and what better way than to fight in front of everyone and put on a show? Advertisement Ilia Topuria Trains For UFC 317 Clash With Charles Oliveira "I know what's going to happen, and it won't be good for him." Topuria has the small matter of beating former 155lbs titleholder and fan favourite But 'El Matador' believes he'll make light work of the Brazilian, saying: "Charles is a great fighter. "I'd say he's a legendary fighter, one of the few still active in the UFC. Advertisement "But the truth is that his style fits perfectly with mine to put him to sleep in the first round. "Because he has no mobility, he doesn't move." 5 Ilia Topuria faces Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 29 Credit: UFC
Daily Mirror
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
UFC star makes confident Paddy Pimblett vs Ilia Topuria admission
Pimblett and Topuria have been on a collision course ever since they clashed at the fighter hotel during UFC London in 2022, and the fight could soon be on the horizon UFC welterweight sensation Ian Machado Garry has predicted a fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett would go down as one of the "biggest fights" ever. The bad blood between 'The Baddy' and Topuria dates back to an infamous altercation three years ago during a UFC London event. After a heated exchange in the fighter hotel, Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitiser at Topuria, sparking chaotic scenes. The clash in London seemed to ignite the bitter feud, and there have been teases about them facing off in the octagon despite previously competing in different divisions. However, that all changed earlier this year when Topuria vacated his featherweight title in favour of a move up to 155lbs. 'El Matador' has jumped straight into a title fight against Charles Oliveira for the newly vacated 155lb championship belt at next month's UFC 317, following Islam Makhachev's decision to step up to welterweight. Providing Topuria comes away with the win and unscathed, it could set up eagerly anticipated clash with the Liverpudlian. 'The Baddy' recently secured the most significant victory of his career against Michael Chandler, and despite many believing the Brit needs another win before competing for the title, he could be thrust into a title bout with Topuria due to their mutual animosity. While 'El Matador' is set to fight Oliveira, a close friend of Machado Garry, the Irishman is still keen to see a showdown between Topuria and Pimblett. In an interview with he said: "Paddy's been phenomenal. You can't give nothing but praise to what he's done and how he's done it. He's gone out there. He's backed up everything he said. He's beaten and is beating everyone that's been put in front of him and he's looked great and has that popularity inside and outside the Octagon, he's doing what he needs to do, and he's doing a very good job at it. Paddy and Ilia is a massive, massive fight if that happens down the line. It's going to be so big, so big. I reckon that's a stadium [fight]. That'll be one of the biggest fights we've ever seen." Pimblett is indeed keen on facing Topuria in Abu Dhabi in October, but he admits that his likely opponent will be Justin Gaethje. "I'm hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that's when I'm going to be back in the cage," Pimblett told BBC Sport. "I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I'd love to beat him if he gets the belt. I'd love to fight him anyway but he's booked, so I think it's more than likely Justin Gaethje." The Brit was asked about his interest in dangerous contender Arman Tsarukyan - to which he replied: "No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight. People know it'll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje," said Pimblett. "Tsarukyan, he's just an absolute tool, and then it's me and Gaethje. One win away and I'll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that's always been the aim. It's the only aim that we have."
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Pimblett targeting Topuria or Gaethje fight in October
Paddy Pimblett says he would love to fight Ilia Topuria in Abu Dhabi in October but his opponent is most likely to be Justin Gaethje. Liverpool's Pimblett earned a statement win over Michael Chandler last month before calling for his next bout to be against an opponent ranked in the top five. Spain's Topuria faces Brazil's Charles Oliveira for the lightweight belt at UFC 317 on 28 June after former champion Islam Makhachev vacated his belt to move up to welterweight. American Gaethje doesn't have a fight booked and is third in the UFC's lightweight rankings - five places above Pimblett. The UFC usually hosts a numbered event in Abu Dhabi in October but a potential date for this year's show is yet to be set. "I'm hoping to fight in Abu Dhabi in October. I think that's when I'm going to be back in the cage," Pimblett told BBC Sport. "I was thinking Ilia might call me out if he wins [against Oliveira]. I'd love to beat him if he gets the belt. "I'd love to fight him anyway but he's booked, so I think it's more than likely Justin Gaethje." Pimblett has history with former featherweight champion Topuria after the pair clashed at a hotel before UFC London in 2022. Topuria, 28, vacated his belt earlier this year to move up to lightweight, opening the door to a potential fight with Pimblett. Gaethje, meanwhile, last fought in March with a win over Rafael Fiziev - and with 20 knockouts from 26 bouts, he remains one of the most popular fighters on the roster. With fourth-ranked Max Holloway facing fifth-ranked Dustin Poirier on 19 July, the only other fighter without a fight booked in the top five is Armenia's Arman Tsarukyan, who Pimblett has no interest in. "No one [cares] about Arman Tsarukyan and people actually want to watch Gaethje fight. People know it'll be an exciting fight, me versus Gaethje," said Pimblett. "Tsarukyan, he's just an absolute tool, and then it's me and Gaethje. "One win away and I'll be fighting for the belt. Yeah, that's always been the aim. It's the only aim that we have." Since his UFC debut in 2021 Pimblett has won all seven fights and grown into one of the most popular fighters in the promotion. Pimblett has long wanted to headline a show in his hometown Liverpool but the UFC hasn't held an event in the city since 2018, instead choosing to put shows on in London and Manchester. Because Liverpool's biggest arena, the M&S Bank Arena, only has a capacity of 11,000, Pimblett has suggested Premier League champions Liverpool's stadium Anfield as a potential venue. UFC president Dana White, however, has often opted against hosting shows in stadiums, citing a lack of atmosphere and potential rain as the reasons why. Pimblett has suggested White should visit Anfield to watch a Liverpool game to change his mind. "It needs to be Anfield. That's the only the only viable place to do it. And I know Dana doesn't like doing stadiums, he's done it in Australia, but Anfield is different," said Pimblett. "He needs to come to Anfield on a Champions League night or when we play Manchester United or something like that, or even the blue shirt [Everton]. "You need to come and watch because you'd be like 'wow, this is unbelievable'." MMA schedule and results 2025 Watch every Born to Brawl episode Notifications, social media and more with BBC Sport
Daily Mirror
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
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.'
