I. Topuria (left) and P. Pimblett (right) are highlighted in the UFC London. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
Pivot of a confusion with the candidate for the new Ultimate star, Paddy Pimblett, Ilia Topuria explained what motivated the exchange of punches with the lightweight (up to 70,3kg) backstage at UFC London promotional event. Featured on the preliminary card of this Saturday's show (19), the fighter stated that the disagreement with the company's promise is not recent. In an interview with 'The MMA Hour', the fighter explained what led to the incident.
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“It didn’t happen because he called me something. This comes from a long time ago. He was arguing with one of my best friends at Twitter and posted something like: 'Now I understand why Russia destroyed Georgia. It's because you're an idiot.' This made my blood boil. When I saw it, I was surprised. I couldn't believe it when I saw this post. In 2008, when I was leaving Georgia, when the war happened, it was a difficult time for me, my family, my friends, my country. Many innocent people, including children, were dying in the war,” said the lightweight.
After justifying the action, Topuria recalled the incident recorded on video and which led to this weekend's event. The athlete gave his version of how the confusion started.
“He wanted to shake my hand. He didn't come directly to me, but he looked friendly. I threw a bottle at his face and he sent it back. I don't know why, but I lost control and threw a right punch. Everyone saw the video, what happened. It is difficult. You have the Ukrainian flag (in the studio). Can you imagine if I start making jokes about war? There are people suffering. You can't talk about it. (…) In 2008, we experienced the same situation. We lived there. Many guys in my class, friends, I saw many of them losing family members in the war. It bothers me when I hear someone joking about it,” he said.
Even with calmer moods after the fight, Topuria guarantees that the story with Paddy did not end with the confusion. The fighter guarantees that, after this weekend's commitment, he has plans to resolve differences with the Englishman in the Octagon.
“I saw an interview with him (Pimblett) saying, 'He's nobody. Is small'. (…) Yes, maybe I'm not very tall, but I only need one punch. (…) If he wins (in the UFC London), I really want to face him. Even if he doesn't win, I want the fight, because of my people, because of me. I want to rip your head off,” he finished.
This Saturday, Topuria has an appointment against Jai Herbert. Paddy is also one of the highlights of the show. Considered, by some, as 'new Conor McGregor', the Englishman measures forces with the Mexican Rodrigo vargas.
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