Ilia Topuria was afraid of Alexander Volkanovski! Well, this is what Paddy Pimblett has opined in his latest interaction. ‘The Baddy’, currently chasing his lightweight dreams, mentioned that Topuria ducked a rematch with Volkanovski. And this was the only reason ‘El Matador’ hastily moved up in weight after just a solitary title defense. But why?
In plain sight, Ilia Topuria has no reason to duck Volkanovski, as he has already knocked him out. However, as per Pimblett, if Volkanovski hadn’t been KOed, there was no way Topuria could become the champion. Thus, he wanted to avoid facing him for the second time.
“I don’t think he beats Volk if Volk hadn’t been knocked out three months earlier. I think that’s one of the reasons why he moved to lightweight — because he didn’t want to have that rematch with Volk,” Pimblett opined.
😲Paddy Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria moved up a weight class because he didn’t want a rematch with Alexander Volkanovski.
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) May 16, 2025
"I don’t think he beats Volk if Volk hadn’t been knocked out three months earlier. I think that’s one of the reasons why he moved to lightweight — because… pic.twitter.com/GlompwBHws
Pimblett also opined that since Max Holloway has suffered a lot of damage to his chin over the years, he has become quite vulnerable. Meanwhile, with a possibility of Pimblett coming face to face with Topuria, ‘The Baddy’ seems to have a perfect game plan for the same.
Paddy Pimblett Details Ilia Topuria Masterplan
Paddy Pimblett knows very well that he might face Ilia Topuria en route to his lightweight title quest. With Topuria going up against Charles Oliveira, most fans and critics are backing the Spaniard to take the W. However, as for Pimblett, he is already laying down a master plan to defeat Topuria. Speaking exclusively with JNMEDIA’s Jamal Niaz, Pimblett pointed out what he needs to do.
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“Styles make fights. You know what I mean? No one is going to do what I’d do to him. Everyone started to have a boxing match with him, and they have all failed because of it. I wouldn’t come out and have a boxing match with him. I’m not an idiot,” said Pimblett.
Thus, with things looking a bit heated up, it remains to be seen whether Topuria and Pimblett will actually face off in the future.
Also Read: Paddy Pimblett Takes A Bold Dig At Colby Covington After Power Slap 12 Faceoff
