The animosity between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria has exploded into one of the UFC’s most heated and personal rivalries. What began as a social media feud laced with nationalistic insults has transformed into a deeply bitter vendetta, promising one of the most emotionally charged fights in UFC history. And now, with Topuria reigning as the new UFC lightweight champion, and Pimblett climbing the ranks, the timing couldn’t be more explosive.

In a recent interview on Eric Nicksick’s Verse Us podcast, Pimblett didn’t hold back, making it clear that this isn’t just about rankings or titles anymore—it’s personal. Very personal.

“I’d like that fight to go four minutes, fifty seconds into the fifth round, and I’ve landed 907 elbows, and I’ve disfigured his face,” Pimblett snarled. “I don’t want a quick knockout. I want to put him through pain.”

That one sentence was enough to send the MMA world into a frenzy. Because this is no ordinary callout—it’s a promise of war.

The Origins of the Feud: Hand Sanitizer and Hatred

The Pimblett vs. Topuria rivalry began not in the Octagon, but online. In 2021, Pimblett posted inflammatory comments about Georgia—Topuria’s home country—mocking its people and referencing the 2008 Russo-Georgian war. Topuria, of Georgian and Spanish heritage, did not take it lightly.

Tensions erupted in real life during UFC London fight week in March 2022, where Pimblett allegedly threw a hand sanitizer bottle at Topuria during a hotel altercation. The moment was caught on video and immediately went viral.

“He’s scum,” Topuria said at the time. “He talks about things he doesn’t understand. He crossed the line. One day I’ll make him pay.”

Since then, the bad blood has only intensified, and now, it seems inevitable that the Octagon will become the final battleground.

Ilia Topuria’s Meteoric Rise to Double Gold

While Pimblett’s popularity skyrocketed thanks to his charisma and Liverpudlian charm, it’s Ilia Topuria who’s proven himself as a dominant force inside the cage.

Topuria claimed the UFC featherweight title with a masterclass performance over Alexander Volkanovski and recently became the UFC lightweight champion with a stunning first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira at UFC 317.

The win shocked many, but not Topuria’s loyal fans. Known for his precise striking and ice-cold composure, Topuria is now a two-division champion, sitting at the very top of two of the UFC’s most stacked weight classes.

“Topuria looks like a killer,” Joe Rogan said on his podcast. “He’s fast, technical, and fights like he’s got ice in his veins.”

Yet for all his success, there remains one man who can’t stop talking about him—Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.

Pimblett’s Vengeance Mission: ‘I Will Finish You, Little Boy’

Unlike most challengers who call out champions with respectful ambition, Pimblett’s tone is drenched in pure loathing.

“People just think he’d steamroll me… but it’s different when there’s that much size difference,” Pimblett said. “Lad, he’s a midget. That’s why I said to him, ‘I will finish you, little boy.’”

While such language may stir controversy, it also builds hype. Pimblett, who walks around at 195 pounds, believes his size and grappling will neutralize Topuria’s speed and power.

This confidence, while bordering on arrogance, isn’t completely unfounded. Pimblett has shown flashes of brilliance, especially on the ground, where his submission skills have led him to victories over names like Jordan Leavitt and Rodrigo Vargas.

But Topuria is no slouch on the mat either. A black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with crisp boxing and terrifying knockout power, he’s not just a champion—he’s a nightmare matchup for anyone.

Oliveira’s Loss Fuels Pimblett’s Fury

Pimblett didn’t just criticize Topuria—he also took aim at Charles Oliveira, accusing the former champ of putting on a “pathetic” performance in the UFC 317 main event.

“What the f— was the game plan?” Pimblett barked. “Stand in front of him and get punched in the face? It was embarrassing.”

These statements didn’t sit well with many in the MMA community, who see Oliveira as one of the sport’s most battle-tested warriors. But Pimblett doesn’t care. He sees his path clearly: Take out Topuria, win the belt, and shut up everyone who ever doubted him.

And he may be closer than we think.

The UFC 317 Cage Confrontation: A Faceoff Gone Too Far?

Following Topuria’s knockout of Oliveira, the UFC delivered an unexpected twist. Joe Rogan brought Pimblett into the Octagon for a post-fight faceoff, catching fans—and even Dana White—off guard.

Topuria, still amped up, shoved Pimblett after a brief staredown, igniting the spark that may lead to one of the most anticipated grudge matches of 2026.

However, the moment drew sharp criticism from UFC President Dana White, who called the stunt “reckless.”

“It was dangerous, man,” White said. “You can’t bring fighters into the cage like that after a knockout. You don’t know where their head is.”

Still, the buzz was undeniable. Social media exploded. Hashtags like #PimblettTopuria and #GrudgeMatchUFC trended worldwide. The tension is no longer hypothetical—it’s physical, visible, and boiling.

Can Paddy Pimblett Actually Beat Ilia Topuria?

Here’s where things get tricky.

Pimblett has never faced someone with Topuria’s combination of speed, power, and technique. And while he’s undefeated in the UFC, many argue his fights have been cherry-picked to protect his record.

His controversial win over Jared Gordon left fans scratching their heads, and his tendency to absorb damage early could be disastrous against a fast starter like Topuria.

But Pimblett has something Topuria hasn’t faced either—a relentless mental game. Unlike most fighters who respect Topuria’s aura, Pimblett wants to break it. He isn’t intimidated, and that psychological edge could make the difference in a closely contested war.

“I want to hurt him,” Pimblett repeated. “I don’t care about belts. I want to humiliate him.”

What’s at Stake for Both Fighters?

For Topuria, this fight is about pride. He’s proven himself against elite competition and doesn’t need Pimblett to validate his legacy. But he also understands that this grudge match sells, and with Conor McGregor sidelined indefinitely, the UFC needs new rivalries to anchor its events.

For Pimblett, this is everything. A win over Topuria would silence critics, validate his rise, and potentially make him the biggest British MMA star since Michael Bisping.

It’s not just about the title. It’s personal vengeance, national pride, and career-defining legacy all wrapped into one volatile matchup.

When Could It Happen?

The UFC hasn’t officially announced a date, but rumors suggest the fight could headline a European PPV card in late 2025, possibly in London or Madrid, maximizing the hometown feel for both fanbases.

UFC matchmakers are reportedly in favor of making the fight next, especially after Topuria’s clean health check post-UFC 317 and Pimblett’s recent medical clearance.

And if it does get signed? Expect fireworks—inside and outside the cage.

Final Take: Hate, Hype, and Heavy Consequences

Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria isn’t just a fight—it’s a full-blown war. A culmination of insults, national pride, physical dominance, and raw hatred. It’s the kind of feud that doesn’t need a belt to feel like a championship fight.

“I absolutely hate him,” Pimblett said. “And I can’t wait to break his face.”

Whether you love or hate either fighter, you will watch. Because rivalries like this are rare. They’re raw. They’re real. And when the cage door closes, only one man will walk out with his face—and reputation—intact.