Ilia Topuria stated that he was confident in Paddy Pimblett's victory at UFC 324 and began preparing for a potential fight against him in advance. Topuria indicated he had already started studying Pimblett's style and developing a game plan before the Englishman's most recent bout. The featherweight champion expressed interest in the matchup, though it remains uncertain whether the UFC will book the fight. Some fans have suggested a bout with Justin Gaethje might be more compelling. Topuria's comments suggest he sees Pimblett as a viable and marketable opponent.
Ilia Topuria revealed on April 10 that he had already begun preparing for a potential fight with Paddy Pimblett, stating he was confident the Liverpudlian would win at UFC 324 and started developing a game plan before the bout even took place.
Topuria, known as "El Matador," is ranked second in the lightweight division and sits atop the pound-for-pound rankings at just 29 years old. The Spain-based Georgian carries a 17-1 record and has shown elite finishing ability across both striking and grappling, averaging 4.81 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy while adding nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes to his arsenal. He competes out of Climent Club and stands five-foot-seven with a 69-inch reach.
Pimblett, nicknamed "The Baddy," is ranked sixth at lightweight and brings a 23-4 record into the picture. The 31-year-old Englishman out of Next Generation MMA Liverpool is one of the sport's most recognizable figures, standing five-foot-ten with a 73-inch reach. He actually out-volumes Topuria on the feet, landing 5.49 significant strikes per minute at 52 percent accuracy, and also averages 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- Topuria holds the number-one pound-for-pound ranking, and a win over a high-profile name like Pimblett would carry enormous commercial weight at lightweight.
- Pimblett is ranked sixth, meaning a victory over the champion would vault him dramatically up the divisional ladder.
- Stylistically, both fighters are orthodox strikers who also threaten with submissions, setting up a potentially explosive matchup on the feet with grappling danger throughout.
- The fight is not yet confirmed, and Topuria's comments come with the UFC still to weigh in on whether to book it over other contender options.
