Ilia Topuria in face with Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Paddy Pimblett changed plans for his next UFC fight. Initially planning to face Justin gaethje, the Englishman is now aiming for a title fight against Ilia Topuria for the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg).
In an interview with 'Marca,' Pimblett remained mysterious. The Englishman revealed that Gaethje is 'unavailable' for the fight and warned that the only option now is to fight for the title.
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“I’m having trouble getting a fight at the moment… I thought I was going to face Justin gaethje in October, but he's out. There's no one else available besides Ilia Topuria. I think it would have been resolved already if he had signed the contract, but he is dragging his feet,” Pimblett said.
Rivalry is hot
The animosity between Pimblett and Topuria dates back to 2021, when the Englishman provoked the Georgian on social media, including controversial comments about Georgia and references to the 2008 Russian invasion.
The following year, the rivalry escalated into physical confrontations. In London, Pimblett even threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria during a hotel encounter. Since then, provocations and tensions have marked UFC events and press conferences.
Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria could happen for the belt
In 2025, after Ilia wins the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) in UFC 317, the direct confrontation in the octagon further heightened the tension. On social media, Paddy questioned his rival's nationality and criticized the way he relied on fans from Georgia and Spain to boost his popularity.
The fight between the two is expected to become one of the most anticipated and profitable in the UFC, with rumors pointing to a possible meeting in early 2026, possibly on the first card of the organization's new broadcast agreement.
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