The talk around a possible lightweight title showdown between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett has grown louder in recent weeks, especially after their faceoff earlier this year. Although nothing has been formally confirmed by the UFC, Pimblett is already declaring that he’d make a statement if the fight becomes reality.
Topuria’s Reign and the Rumored Matchup
Ilia Topuria captured the vacant lightweight title in spectacular fashion with a knockout win over Charles Oliveira earlier this year, earning widespread praise for his power and precision. Following that victory, a brief but fiery moment took place when he was confronted by Paddy Pimblett inside the cage.
UFC president Dana White later dismissed the encounter, calling it an unscripted moment encouraged by Joe Rogan, but speculation about the two facing off hasn’t gone away.
Industry whispers suggest that the UFC might be planning Topuria’s first title defense against Pimblett for the debut event under the company’s upcoming broadcast partnership with Paramount in 2026. While the UFC hasn’t confirmed the bout, the rumored pairing has sparked discussion about timing, merit, and the direction of the lightweight division.
Pimblett’s Confident Outlook
Known for his outspoken personality, Pimblett has made it clear that he’s not intimidated by the Spanish champion. Speaking recently with James Sweetnam, the Liverpool native doubled down on his belief that he could defeat Topuria wherever the fight takes place.
“I’d absolutely smash his face in for him,” Pimblett said. “I can see me beating him anywhere the fight goes to be honest, people put him on a pedestal now they think he’s this big amazing thing, when I’ll bring him crashing back down to earth in a big way.”
Their rivalry dates back to their encounter at UFC London years ago, when tensions first started brewing between the two emerging stars. Since then, verbal jabs have continued through interviews and social media, with both men keeping the feud alive even as they climbed their respective divisions.
While fans are intrigued by the Pimblett–Topuria rivalry, not everyone believes it’s the right title fight to make. Former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev recently dismissed the matchup, stating that Pimblett doesn’t represent a serious challenge for Topuria.
Several other contenders, including Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, have been campaigning for a chance at the belt. Gaethje has even suggested he might walk away from the sport if the UFC overlooks him again in favor of newer names.
Topuria, meanwhile, has hinted that he would be open to facing Makhachev in the near future, though he didn’t rule out Pimblett as a potential opponent. If the rumored fight does materialize, it would mark one of the most polarizing matchups in recent UFC memory — the brash Scouser against the undefeated Spanish powerhouse.
For now, Pimblett seems eager to prove he belongs among the elite. Confident as ever, “The Baddy” believes he has what it takes to shake up the lightweight division and topple one of its brightest champions.
