Ilia Topuria has reignited his feud with Paddy Pimblett, calling the Brit a “hypocrite” and claiming he still wants to “knock his block off,” despite their brief embrace at UFC London weigh-ins.
The tension between the pair began in 2022, when they nearly came to blows in a London hotel following controversial remarks Pimblett made about Georgians. Although it seemed like they had buried the hatchet last year, Topuria is making it clear that the rivalry is far from over.
“He’s a hypocrite,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes. “I remember he once said, ‘I’m on the main card, and you’re on the prelims.’ Now I have two belts. Where is he?”
While Pimblett recently scored a major win over Michael Chandler, Topuria doesn’t believe he’s earned the right to face him. Still, he admits that if he could choose his next fight, Pimblett would be at the top of his list.
“I hate him,” said the undefeated Spaniard. “He’s a pain in the ass. I’d love to give that fight to the fans… two people who really want to fight each other. But I know what’s going to happen—it won’t be good for him.”
Before any potential grudge match, Topuria must first face former champion Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant lightweight title. Confident as ever, he predicted an early finish.
“Charles is a great fighter, a legend,” Topuria said. “But his style is perfect for me. He has no mobility—I’ll put him to sleep in the first round.”
