BREAKING: Paddy ANNOUNCES He Won’t Fight Topuria – And His Reasons Have Left MMA Fans Stunned!
In a bombshell announcement that’s shaking up the lightweight division, popular UFC star Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has officially declared that he will not fight Ilia Topuria, despite months of heated trash talk and fan anticipation.

During a surprise press conference in London this morning, Paddy took the microphone and dropped a revelation no one saw coming:
“I’m not fighting Topuria. It’s not happening. And I’ve got my reasons.”
When pressed by reporters, Paddy elaborated, offering a mixture of personal convictions and strategic thinking that has left fans and analysts stunned.
Paddy’s Reasons Revealed
First, Paddy cited concerns about the ongoing tension between their camps, which he believes could escalate into violence outside the Octagon:
“This isn’t just a fight anymore. It’s getting too personal, too dangerous. I’m not risking my friends or family getting dragged into chaos.”
Secondly, Paddy admitted he doesn’t believe the matchup makes sense for his career right now, suggesting he wants to focus on climbing the rankings without getting derailed by what he sees as a “grudge match.”
“I’m here to become a champion, not to settle beefs that are turning into soap operas. The UFC’s got bigger plans for me.”
Fans React in Shock
Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement. Many fans expressed disappointment, having anticipated an explosive showdown after months of viral insults and near-brawls between the two fighters.
“This was THE fight to make,” tweeted one fan. “Paddy vs Topuria was pure fireworks. What a letdown.”
Others supported Paddy’s decision, arguing that a fighter’s personal safety and career trajectory should come first.
“He’s making the smart move. No point risking everything for bad blood,” posted another supporter.
Topuria Responds
It didn’t take long for Ilia Topuria to fire back. In a fiery Instagram story, Topuria accused Paddy of running scared:
“He’s a clown. He talks big but he knows I’d finish him in one round.”
Topuria, who’s been on a meteoric rise through the lightweight ranks, claimed he’ll move on to bigger fights and issued a challenge to other contenders instead.
“I’ll become champion with or without him.”
What’s Next for Paddy?
Paddy hinted that he’s already in discussions with the UFC about his next fight, but declined to name potential opponents. He assured fans that he’s focused and ready to prove himself:
“I’m still The Baddy. You’ll see me back in there soon — and I’ll keep giving the fans the show they deserve.”
While some accuse Paddy of dodging a dangerous opponent, others see his decision as a savvy business move in a cutthroat sport where one loss can change everything.
For now, the highly anticipated clash between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria appears dead in the water — and the MMA world is left reeling from one of the year’s biggest shock announcements.
Stay tuned for updates as this story continues to unfold!