Ilia Topuria career downfall predicted with lightweight move as rival Paddy Pimblett issues warning

Paddy Pimblett doesn't think Ilia Topuria has the ability to successfully become a lightweight champion after his move up.

Ilia Topuria career downfall predicted with lightweight move as rival Paddy Pimblett issues warning

Paddy Pimblett predicts Ilia Topuria's downfall (via Imago/X)

A few days ago, Ilia Topuria stunned the MMA world by vacating his UFC featherweight title. UFC CEO Dana White announced that Topuria will move up to the lightweight division. As expected, speculation about his debut opponent is already circulating. However, longtime rival Paddy Pimblett isn’t convinced it’s a wise decision.

At featherweight, Topuria had a dominating streak where he knocked out the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. ‘El Matador’ believes he can do the same in the 155 lbs, and can become the champion. In a recent interview, Pimblett shut down these claims and predicted a potential downfall for the undefeated fighter. 

He’s a midget lad. He’s not a lightweight… He should’ve stuck at featherweight. It’s gonna be the downfall of his career.

Paddy Pimblett via Round Eight Boxing 
YouTube video

Pimblett mentioned that Topuria didn’t want to fight Volkanovski in a rematch and took a way out. The ‘Baddy’ claimed that the Georgian-Spanish star is a wannabe Conor McGregor, and he would like to destroy that delusion. The Scouser is ready to fight Topuria in order to settle their ongoing beef, which started a few years back. 

FS Video

Topuria has no interest in fighting Pimblett and believes it would be a very easy night for him. On the other hand, he is more focused on getting the lightweight championship from the pound-for-pound king Islam Makhachev. However, there are various other potential candidates who can definitely be a suitable choice for Topuria’s lightweight debut.

Former featherweight champion ready to rematch Ilia Topuria 

Ilia Topuria has now established himself as one of the biggest superstars on the current UFC roster. ‘El Matador’ knows the business and doesn’t shy away from promoting himself and his fights. On top of that, he has the ability to walk the talk and knock out anybody in the lightweight division.

Ilia Topuria after beating Max Holloway at UFC 308
Ilia Topuria after beating Max Holloway at UFC 308 (via X)

In his last outing, Topuria knocked out the legendary Max Holloway to defend the featherweight title. After that, the ‘Blessed’ moved up and ‘El Matador’ has followed the same path. In a recent X interaction, Holloway gave the green light to potentially fight Topuria again.

Of course.

Max Holloway via X

Apart from Holloway, fans expected Topuria to fight the likes of Charles Oliveira and Dustin Poirier to earn his spot. However, El Matador rejected the UFC’s offer to fight the top lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan. Going forward, the drama surrounding the lightweight division has now kept fans on their toes.

Related: Ilia Topuria Net Worth, UFC Contract, Endorsements, and House