Ilia Topuria is walking into UFC 317 with a lot of confidence. Despite making his debut in the lightweight division, Topuria’s optimism seems to be sky-high. After defeating stalwarts like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, Topuria is looking to floor Charles Oliveira too. And once that is done, ‘El Matador’ knows who he will fight next.
Well, it is none other than Paddy Pimblett. Reflecting on who his next opponent might be, Topuria stated that it would be Pimblett. However, the former featherweight champion also said that Pimblett would need one more win. This would qualify him to challenge for the title right away. And Topuria believes that the English fighter will contest for the belt soon.
“After Charles, hopefully Paddy. Hopefully he gets one more fight and wins that, and finally we can be in the same octagon together. I think it’s a matter of time, and it’s gonna happen,” said Topuria.
Ilia Topuria sets his sights on Paddy Pimblett after Charles Oliveira 👀🔥
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 22, 2025
"After Charles, hopefully Paddy. Hopefully he gets one more fight and wins that, and finally we can be in the same octagon together. I think it's a matter of time, and it's gonna happen."
🎥@ufc pic.twitter.com/o5VqbM5Wq6
Surely, Pimblett has been rising to the top in a rapid manner. With some dominant victories against the likes of King Green and Michael Chandler, ‘The Baddy’ has created a lot of hype. Meanwhile, with a possible title fight loading, Pimblett seemingly knows how to tackle the Topuria threat.
Paddy Pimblett Breaks Down His Game Plan Against Ilia Topuria
Pimblett too, has seemed quite interested to take on Topuria. He believes that if Topuria is interested to sign, the UFC will be quite happy to seal the deal. And this is because both fighters know how to sell a fight. Pimblett also pointed out that he will not engage in a boxing match with Topuria. Rather, he would like to capitalize on his weakness.
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“If Ilia wins and says he wants to fight me, the UFC will make that fight because they know it’s a money fight… I know I’d beat him… I know how to beat him. No one goes for his weaknesses, everyone just tries to have a boxing match with him,“ said Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett talks a potential lightweight title fight against Ilia Topuria 👀
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 15, 2025
"If Ilia wins and says he wants to fight me, the UFC will make that fight because they know it's a money fight…
I know I'd beat him… I know how to beat him. No one goes for his weaknesses,… pic.twitter.com/uQlFanZ2Cn
Thus, with a lot going on, it remains to be seen if the hyped matchup does become a reality.
Also Read: Paddy Pimblett Refuses To Fight Arman Tsarukyan, Calls Out THIS Fighter Instead
