Paddy Pimblett Spills Blueprint to Lightweight Money Fight against Ilia Topuria

UFC rising star Paddy Pimblett talks about beating the undefeated phenom Ilia Topuria in a lightweight title fight.

Paddy Pimblett Spills Blueprint to Lightweight Money Fight against Ilia Topuria

Paddy Pimblett believes he can easily beat Ilia Topuria with his overall skillset (via Imago)

The lightweight division is undoubtedly one of the most competitive across the entire UFC roster, filled with world-class elite athletes. The title is currently on the line with Ilia Topuria and Charles Oliveira scheduled to fight at the UFC 317 PPV event. Going into the fight, the Georgian-Spanish fighter is expected to win the championship bout according to most MMA analysts worldwide.

It seems like top-ranked lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett is already prepared and fully ready for Topuria to win that title. The UK star has unfinished business with the Georgian-Spanish fighter and wants to finally settle their long-standing rivalry inside the cage. Speaking with Tom Aspinall, Pimblett confidently revealed his future plans and detailed game plan to defeat Topuria in spectacular fashion.

If Ilia wins and says he wants to fight me, the UFC will make that fight because they know it’s a money fight. I know I’d beat him. Funny cuz I get laughed at for it. But I know I beat him. We’ve already talked about gameplans to beat him. And I know how to beat him. No one goes for his weaknesses when they fight. Everyone just decides to have a boxing match with him. I’m not going to come out and have a boxing match with him. I’m going to beat him with my all-around MMA game.

Paddy Pimblett via Tom Aspinall’s YT Channel

On the feet, Topuria has proven himself extremely dangerous with brutal knockout power that ends fights in dramatic fashion quickly. Elite strikers like Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway attempted to outstrike him in past battles but failed quite miserably. Pimblett possesses strong Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has submitted top opponents, which could be effective against Topuria’s aggressive style.

However, the Georgian-Spanish star has often talked about being a better grappler than a striker and sees himself as a complete fighter. Topuria is also looking forward to fighting Pimblett and ending the rivalry in a brutal fashion. In a recent interview, he called out the Scouser and stated that he would like to take care of the British fighter soon.

Did Ilia Topuria get pushed by the UFC?

A few months ago, Ilia Topuria shocked everyone by vacating his featherweight title to move up and challenge Islam Makhachev. He strategically avoided top lightweight contenders and claimed the UFC had already promised him an immediate shot at championship glory. Following that, Makhachev vacated the 155-pound title and announced his intentions to pursue a second UFC belt.

Ilia Topuria, the biggest superstar in UFC
Ilia Topuria, the biggest superstar in UFC (via X)

However, it was confusing to see as Makhachev initially didn’t want to vacate and wanted to become a double champion. This development took place after UFC CBO Hunter Campbell visited Dagestan to meet Team Khabib. In a recent interview, Makhachev’s teammate, Umar Nurmagomedov, talked about this in detail and how UFC favored Topuria over Makhachev.

[Hunter Campbell] came to see Islam [Makhachev]… They wanted Islam to move up. They want to make Topuria the champ at 155 [pounds weight class]. Not because Islam wants to move up, but because they want [Topuria] to be the champ there. They believe [Topuria] can really sell fights.

Umar Nurmagomedov via Hustler Vlog

Topuria connects better with global fans through his fiery personality, Spanish-Georgian roots, and knockout-heavy highlight reels that excite viewers. Unlike Makhachev’s reserved demeanor and grappling-heavy style, Topuria brings flair, trash talk, and finishes that attract mainstream attention.

His marketability in both Europe and Latin America gives him wider appeal, making him a stronger pay-per-view draw overall.

Following his vacation, Topuria has accused Makhachev of running away from him and choosing an easier fight. The Dagestani has also talked about potentially fighting Topuria again after getting his hands on the welterweight title. However, the knockout specialist has already shut down any possibilities of an immediate rematch.

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