Paddy Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria lack Conor McGregor’s star power to get Islam Makhachev superfight next

Paddy Pimblett does not foresee an Ilia Topuria run similar to Conor McGregor's, as the Spaniard wishes to fight Islam Makhachev.

Paddy Pimblett believes Ilia Topuria lack Conor McGregor’s star power to get Islam Makhachev superfight next

Paddy Pimblett reacts to Ilia Topuria following 'Idol' Conor McGrgeor's footsteps and seeking Islam Makhachev fight to gain double champ status (Image via UFC/Imago)

In the current UFC landscape, super fights and potential champion vs. champion matchups are a hot topic of discussion. Several exciting matchups are on the horizon, including a clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. Most recently, one of the rising UFC prospects Paddy Pimblett has shared his thoughts on this situation.

UFC featherweight champ Ilia Topuria has expressed his desire to become a multi-divisional champion. To achieve this goal, he is eager to face UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. While many prominent figures in the UFC community support this matchup, Paddy Pimblett disagrees. In a recent interview, Pimblett shared his prediction regarding the likelihood of this fight happening.

I can’t see Ilia fighting Islam. He’s only defended the belt once, normally you need to defend the belt like three times. And he’s not that big of a star to just jump straight in. He is not (Conor) McGregor to just jump right up and fight for the other belt, so I can’t personally see that happening. But we’ll see what happens.

Paddy Pimblett via Liverpool FC News
YouTube video

The Scouser offered a compelling perspective on the situation. Pimblett contends that the UFC featherweight champion still has significant progress to make before he can seek a match against another champion.

He referenced Conor McGregor’s fame, suggesting that Topuria has yet to attain that status to challenge anyone he wants, particularly with only one title defense in the organization. Interestingly, this is partly why Makhachev is also hesitant to face off against Topuria.

Since winning the championship at UFC 280, Makhachev has successfully defended his lightweight title four times. Notably, two of these defenses were against former UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski.

As a result, Makhachev is now more focused on his goal of becoming a double champion in the UFC. This means that the Dagestani fighter is particularly interested in a matchup against UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad.

Dustin Poirier previews the potential clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria

Over the years, Islam Makhachev has established a strong reputation in the UFC lightweight division. He is on track to create an impact similar to that of his mentor, former undisputed champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Along the way, Makhachev has defeated several formidable fighters in the promotion. Interestingly, one of his former rivals has spoken up about the 155 lbs champion’s potential next fight.

Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev's recent fight outing
Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev’s recent fight outing (Image via (BBC/Bleacher Report)

Makhachev faced Dustin Poirier at UFC 302, and dismissed the challenger with a brutal submission. In a recent interview with Helen Yee, Poirier shared his thoughts on the buzz surrounding Makhachev’s potential fight against Ilia Topuria. During the conversation, the ‘Diamond’ analyzed how he believed that matchup would play out.

If (Topuria) can stop the takedowns, I think his boxing is bigger than Islam’s. He’s a bigger puncher. Islam’s technique is getting a lot better on the feet, he’s crafty and elusive, when I fought him. He fought at a weird range. But I think the size difference is just too much (for Topuria), I believe.

Dustin Porier via Helen Yee on YouTube
YouTube video

Both Makhachev and the UFC featherweight champion have distinct fighting styles. While the UFC lightweight champion relies heavily on wrestling, Topuria is a confident striker. As of now, there haven’t been any reactions from the promotion regarding this potential matchup. However, with Dana White building anticipation around Makhachev’s next fight, it will be interesting to see who he faces next.

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