Ilia Topuria wants Paddy Pimblett to win his fight at UFC 324. Recently, the UFC surprised fans by announcing the fight between the Briton and Justin Gaethje for the lightweight title (up to 70,3kg), where the winner will face the Spanish champion for the title. And it seems that "El Matador" has already chosen his favorite.
In a post on 'X', Ilia Topuria gave instructions for Paddy Pimblett to triumph over Justin Gaethje and also took the opportunity to throw a jab at Arman Tsarukyan , who was left out of the title fight.
“Paddy, win your next fight. Hands up, chin down… and Arman, this dance is for you,” wrote Ilia Topuria.
Paddy Win your next fight. Hands up, chin down… and Arman Petuh, this dance is for you pic.twitter.com/fk9qiyQu5n
— Ilia Topuria (@Topuriailia) November 30, 2025
How did Paddy Pimblett get the chance to fight for the belt?
P. Pimblett (photo) in UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction / Twitter @UFCEurope
Despite currently holding the fifth position in the lightweight rankings, Paddy Pimblett 's selection to challenge for the belt was widely criticized by fans and experts. However, the Briton remains undefeated in the UFC, accumulating seven wins, five of them by stoppage, a factor that strengthens his argument in the title race.
Another point in Pimblett's favor is his declared rivalry with Ilia Topuria . The two even faced off in the octagon at UFC 317 , after the Spaniard knocked out Charles Oliveira , which increased public interest in a possible confrontation.
Arman Tsarukyan forgotten by UFC
Arman Tsarukyan is a UFC star. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After injuring his back on the eve of UFC 311 and losing his chance to face Islam Makhachev for the title, Arman Tsarukyan saw his opportunity to fight for the belt slip away. The Armenian gave up the chance to Renato Moicano , who ended up being submitted by the Russian, and subsequently saw Ilia Topuria fight for the vacant belt against Charles do Bronx.
Now, after defeating Dan Hooker , remaining active in the division, and maintaining his number one ranking, Arman Tsarukyan was once again passed over when Paddy Pimblett faced Justin Gaethje for the division's interim title.
Ilia Topuria removed from UFC
Ilia Topuria is undefeated in MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @iliatopuria
The adoption of an interim belt in the lightweight division is explained by Ilia Topuria 's temporary hiatus . The champion stated that he was going through personal problems and preferred not to compete until he resolved them. At the same time, he emphasized that he does not wish to hinder the division, paving the way for the UFC to proceed with its plans.
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Read More about: Arman Tsarukyan, Ilia Topuria, Justin gaethje, Paddy Pimblett, UFC 324
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