Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett Brutally Blast Ilia Topuria for Losing 17-0 Undefeated Status

Ilia Topuria's devastating 4th round doctor's stoppage at UFC Freedom 250 sparked reactions from rivals Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett.

Islam Makhachev and Paddy Pimblett Brutally Blast Ilia Topuria for Losing 17-0 Undefeated Status

Islam Makhachev, Ilia Topuria, and Paddy Pimblett [via Wallpapers.com, MMA Fighting, and Instagram]

Ilia Topuria has no dearth of enemies in the UFC. The double champion rubbed a lot of people the wrong way during his meteoric ascent to superstardom over the past few years. But after suffering his first-ever MMA loss at the UFC Freedom 250 card against Justin Gaethje, the floodgates have opened with taunts from rivals flowing in from all directions.

The latest to rub salt in ‘El Matador’s’ wounds are his longstanding rivals, Paddy ‘The Baddy’ Pimblett and Islam Makhachev. While both men have their own reservations with the former featherweight, they have found common ground in trolling the Spaniard for essentially quitting on the stool and not even finishing the fight. Pimblett has been at odds with Ilia Topuria ever since they were both surging contenders trying to make it in the UFC.

They have shown the ability to be respectful to one another. However, most of the Liverpudlian and the Spaniard’s interactions have ended up devolving into chaos because of the bad blood between them. The pair have had violent altercations in the past, with taunts and objects being thrown around with reckless abandon. Thus, Pimblett trolling Topuria for being stopped by Gaethje is no surprise.

The only thing you had to do was beat a 38 year old coming off of a 5 round war with me…Instead you quit on your stool like the little [expletive] you are. I’m a real fighter and went 5 rounds you’re a little pretender chorizo! Congratulation Gaethje, rematch for undisputed?

Paddy Pimblett via social media

The first line is a play on the X post the double champion had put up after Pimblett’s loss at UFC 324. Despite losing that fight handily, the Scouser seems to be relishing the fact that Topuria was finished on the stool while he was able to reach the final bell. Nonetheless, Pimblett has his own battles to fight with his return to the octagon at UFC 329 to face Benoit Saint-Denis, a matchup that has left experts divided.

In contrast to this bad blood, Islam Makhachev shares more of a competitive rivalry with Ilia Topuria even if it is equally contentious. The two have been gunning to fight each other since they started competing to be the pound-for-pound king. Topuria’s loss means his claim to the P4P throne has weakened. As such, Makhachev did not miss a beat in trolling his heated rival while congratulating and lauding Gaethje.

He who exalts himself will be humbled! There’s levels in this game! Congratulations Justin, you deserve this belt more than anyone!

Islam Makhachev via X

The UFC welterweight champion did not stop there. He went on to make fun of the former lightweight champion for “quitting” on the stool at UFC Freedom 250.

To quit in the biggest fight of your career – is something not everybody can do. Real Le Layenda

Islam Makhachev via X

Both double champions had expressed interest in fighting each other several times. They were even rumored to be the headliners for the White House card. However, they each had conflicting accounts of why a fight never materialized.

While many of Topuria’s rivals were quick to celebrate his downfall, not everyone in the MMA community shared the same sentiment. One of the Spaniard’s closest friends, former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili, offered words of encouragement following the defeat.

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Merab Dvalishvili pens heartfelt message to Ilia Topuria after UFC White House loss

It is no secret that Merab Dvalishvili and Ilia Topuria are close to each other. The pair of Georgian-origin fighters frequently spend time together training and simply hanging out around each other. Just recently, while Topuria was dealing with his divorce, Dvalishvili recalls dropping everything to go support his “brother.”

Merab Dvalishvili praises Ilia Topuria
Merab Dvalishvili praises Ilia Topuria (via Instagram)

Heading into the UFC Freedom 250 event, ‘The Machine’ was once again helping the Spaniard prepare, claiming that the former 155lbs champion was impossible to hold down. But now, after the 29-year-old’s crushing defeat at the hands of Justin Gaethje, the ex-bantamweight champion has extended his support on social media with a heartfelt message for his friend.

Proud of my warrior Brother ilia. I know he will come back stronger than ever.

Merab Dvalishvili via X

Dvalishvili’s message offered a contrasting response to the wave of criticism directed at Ilia Topuria after the loss. With rivals taking aim and close allies offering support, the former champion’s defeat has and likely will continue to draw reactions across the MMA landscape.

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