Paddy Pimblett questions Ilia Topuria's nationality and challenges champion to fight in Spain

Ilia Topuria in face with Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC

Still without a challenger defined for the first defense of the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg), Ilia Topuria is full of potential opponents. However, perhaps none of them are the target of as much animosity from the champion as Paddy Pimblett. In his eagerness for the opportunity to fight for the title of the most populous category in MMA, the Englishman came out publicly to challenge the Georgian/Spanish fighter and once again question his nationality.

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In an interview with the 'eldoberdanMMA' channel on YouTube last Tuesday (23), Pimblett expressed his desire to face Topuria at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium and recalled the champion's past. Despite growing up in Georgia and moving to Spain at a very young age, El Matador was born in Germany.

"I want to fight Ilia whenever and wherever I want. I'd love to go to the Bernabéu and punch you in the face. Do it in Spain, in front of your fake compatriots, because you're actually German. I'd love to punch you in the face in front of 90.000 people at the Bernabéu," Malvado said.

Paddy Pimblett calls Ilia Topuria “fake Spanish” and vows to fight him at Bernabéu Stadium

"I want to fight Ilia whenever, wherever. I'd love to come to Bernabéu and punch your face in. Do it in Spain, in front of your fake countrymen, because you're really German. I'd love… pic.twitter.com/2FJGen7P7S

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 24, 2025

The rivalry between the two is long-standing. While still prospects, Paddy and Ilia came close to blows at a press conference and a hotel in 2022. The previous year, the two also exchanged insults and provocations on social media on several occasions since 2021. After knocking out Charles of the Bronx No. UFC 317, Topuria challenged the Englishman and the two faced each other in the center of the octagon.

UFC in Spain is Topuria's dream

Ilia Topuria with the UFC belt at the Santiago Bernabéu. Photo: Reproduction.

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Interested in investing in the European market, Dana White has already stated on several occasions his desire to undertake a event in Spain, especially after the completion of the major renovation of Real Madrid's stadium lasting six years and completed at the end of 2023. In addition to having a large capacity, the venue also has a retractable roof, similar to the Arena da Baixada, which served as the venue for UFC 198 in 2016.