Ilia Topuria Claims Paddy Pimblett Is His Easiest Target Yet, Vows to Finish Him Anytime!

Fresh off his devastating knockout win over Charles Oliveira to claim the vacant UFC Lightweight Title at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria wasted no time setting his sights on his next potential opponent. To the shock of fans and UFC President Dana White alike, Paddy Pimblett stormed the Octagon following Topuria’s victory, sparking an immediate face-off that has since set the MMA world ablaze.

Speaking candidly in an interview with TMZ, Topuria didn’t mince words about Pimblett’s challenge, claiming the Liverpool native would be “one of the easiest fights” in the lightweight division.

“All the fans around the world, I think they want to see that fight. But at the same time, I have to be honest, I think it’s one of the easiest fights that I could have in the lightweight division because I can do with him whatever I want in reality,” Topuria stated.

For Topuria, who now stands undefeated at 17-0 and holds titles in two weight divisions, facing Pimblett isn’t about proving himself—it’s about putting on a show. He sees the matchup as an opportunity to shine and entertain fans, all while dispatching an opponent he considers beneath his level.

Topuria Shows No Respect for Pimblett’s Skills

Ilia Topuria didn’t just predict victory—he promised complete domination. In his interview, Topuria went so far as to claim he could finish Paddy Pimblett in any way he chooses. Whether standing or on the ground, Topuria believes Pimblett wouldn’t last even one round.

“I could choose the way I want to finish him,” Topuria said confidently. “He’s not going to stay there for more than one round with me. Maybe it’s going to be cool to submit him with a triangle choke from the mount, something like that. And as I told him, put my balls on his forehead.”

The statement wasn’t just a prediction—it was an insult. Topuria’s brutal words suggest that he doesn’t view Pimblett as a serious contender but rather as a stepping stone to further cement his dominance in the division.

Betting Odds Reflect Topuria’s Confidence

The oddsmakers seem to agree with Topuria’s assessment. Opening lines have Ilia Topuria as a massive -625 favorite, making Pimblett a significant underdog. The betting world clearly views this matchup as a one-sided affair, with Topuria’s undefeated record and knockout power giving him a huge edge.

Fans Split on the Matchup’s Meaning

While Ilia Topuria is favored to win, many fans are still excited about the fight. Pimblett has a huge following, especially in the UK, and his charisma has made him one of the UFC’s most popular fighters. Some believe Pimblett’s unorthodox style and ground game could at least make the fight interesting—if only briefly.

However, critics argue that Pimblett hasn’t faced top-tier competition yet and that jumping straight into a title fight with Topuria is a dangerous mismatch. They see this as a money fight rather than a merit-based matchup.

What’s Next for the Lightweight Division?

If Topuria defeats Pimblett, it would further solidify his place as one of the most dangerous champions in the UFC today. For Pimblett, a loss wouldn’t end his career, but it would force him to rebuild against lower-ranked fighters before another title run.

For now, the ball is in the UFC’s court. Will Dana White make this blockbuster fight to satisfy the fans, or will Pimblett be forced to earn his shot through more ranked opponents?

The Mind Games Have Already Begun

Beyond the technical analysis, this rivalry is fueled by personal animosity. Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett have clashed before—both verbally and physically. Their infamous hotel altercation in 2022 during UFC London fight week added a layer of bad blood that has only intensified over time.

Topuria’s bold trash talk and Pimblett’s brash personality guarantee fireworks in the lead-up to the fight. Press conferences and media obligations will likely be as explosive as the fight itself. Fans can expect heated exchanges, personal insults, and maybe even physical confrontations before the cage door closes.

Pimblett’s Uphill Battle

For Pimblett, this fight is a chance to silence his critics and prove he belongs with the lightweight elite. He’s undefeated in the UFC but hasn’t faced anyone close to Topuria’s level. If he can survive the early storm and take the fight into deeper rounds, he could test Topuria’s gas tank, something few have been able to do.

But the reality remains harsh: Pimblett will have to deliver the performance of his life to dethrone the unbeaten champion. Otherwise, he risks being overwhelmed by Topuria’s speed, power, and precision

What’s Next – Fight Announcement and the Lightweight Division’s Future

The UFC has yet to officially confirm the fight between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett, but insiders suggest an announcement is imminent. The most likely stage? UFC 322 in Madrid or UFC 323 in Las Vegas, giving Topuria the chance to headline in his home country of Spain or on the sport’s biggest stage.

The lightweight division is stacked with contenders like Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan, Mateusz Gamrot, and Dustin Poirier all waiting for their shot. Many fans argue that Pimblett has leapfrogged these more proven fighters based on popularity rather than merit. A win for Pimblett would turn the division upside down, creating massive business opportunities—but also controversy.

If Topuria dominates as he predicts, the next logical step could be a super-fight against Makhachev or a cross-division clash with another champion. Either way, the lightweight division remains one of the UFC’s most competitive and exciting weight classes.

Final Thoughts: A Fight That Grabs the World’s Attention

Whether you love or hate the matchup, there’s no denying that Topuria vs. Pimblett will capture the global spotlight. It’s a classic clash of styles, personalities, and fan bases: