‘Trash-Talking’ Paddy Pimblett Given Reality Check About Ilia Topuria by New Champion Justin Gaethje

Paddy Pimblett has built his UFC career through dominant performances and elite microphone skills, becoming one of the promotion’s biggest personalities. However, the Liverpudlian has repeatedly targeted former UFC champion Ilia Topuria since their 2022 altercation. Pimblett’s trash talk has now caught the attention of Justin Gaethje, who recently assessed the Brit’s chances against Topuria.

Gaethje has already faced Pimblett inside the Octagon at UFC 324, where they battled for the interim lightweight title. The veteran lightweight contender used his experience and striking ability to secure a unanimous decision victory over the Liverpudlian. The win allowed Gaethje to capture the interim championship while handing Pimblett a setback in his pursuit of becoming a UFC title challenger.

Since then, Gaethje has become the UFC lightweight champion after surprising Topuria at UFC Freedom 250. Pimblett is now set to face Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, with Topuria’s first career loss becoming more ammunition for his rival. The Liverpudlian has continued criticizing the Spaniard for quitting. Gaethje recently addressed the situation by revealing which matchup was more difficult for him.

Ilia is one of the best in the world. He’s one of the most dangerous fighters that there is and he’s a lot more dangerous than Paddy Pimblett. However, Paddy Pimblett is goofy. He’s got a funky style, not goofy in a bad way. He’s really hard to hit, really long. He moves in weird angles and at different times. That throws you off and that’s why he has success. I think Ilia is way more dangerous. Fighting is crazy. In my mind, 97 out of 100 times, Ilia beats him up.

Justin Gaethje via UFC on Paramount

Justin Gaethje was asked which fight was more difficult for him: Paddy Pimblett or Ilia Topuria. 🤔

"There's no question. Ilia is one of the best in the world. He is one of the most dangerous fighters there is, and he's a lot more dangerous than Paddy Pimblett.

However, Paddy… https://t.co/c9F0Lf6Hkq pic.twitter.com/yjDeOx4XzQ

— MMA Pros Pick (@MMA_PROS_PICK_) July 10, 2026

Ahead of UFC 329, Pimblett has continued taking shots at Topuria and his first career defeat against Gaethje. He criticized Topuria for quitting in the fourth round despite entering the fight as the champion. Pimblett also questioned whether the former champion had what it takes to become a true UFC star.

Pimblett was among the first fighters to call out Topuria after the Spaniard’s UFC Freedom 250 loss. The English UFC star pushed for the matchup and believed Topuria would not be the same after suffering his first career defeat against Gaethje. Pimblett has remained focused on securing the fight.

Gaethje’s comments about Pimblett’s unorthodox and surprising style reflect the warnings the Liverpudlian made before their UFC 324 clash. ‘The Baddy’ had highlighted his confidence heading into the matchup, and their fight showed the unpredictable nature of his approach inside the Octagon.

Pimblett’s trash talk has often placed him in difficult situations. Legendary coach Trevor Wittman revealed he was ecstatic when ‘The Highlight’ brutalized Pimblett after the Liverpudlian’s comments toward their camp during the buildup. Wittman’s reaction highlighted the tension surrounding their UFC 324 matchup.

The rivalry between Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett has developed over several years, stemming from their hotel altercation at UFC London 2022 and their cage scuffle at UFC 317. However, Justin Gaethje’s comments come from his own experience facing both UFC stars and understanding their styles.

UFC lightweight star replies to Paddy Pimblett’s criticism regarding his activity

Arman Tsarukyan and Paddy Pimblett have exchanged insults, with their rivalry growing over time. The Armenian contender has questioned Pimblett’s rise in the UFC and the competition he has faced. Their tension increased when Pimblett was announced to face Justin Gaethje for the interim title at UFC 324.

Tsarukyan last competed in the UFC against Dan Hooker at UFC Qatar, continuing his run as a top contender. However, he has stayed active in the RAF, competing six times under the promotion’s banner. Tsarukyan also found success there by defeating UFC legend Tony Ferguson in his latest outing.

Pimblett has criticized Tsarukyan’s activity outside the UFC, questioning his position in the promotion. The Liverpudlian targeted Tsarukyan for competing in the RAF instead of returning to the Octagon, heightening their rivalry. Pimblett has continued questioning Tsarukyan’s path toward a title opportunity.

Tsarukyan is now set to face Kuat Khamitov at RAF Georgia, marking his seventh appearance under the RAF banner in 2026 alone. During the event’s press conference, Tsarukyan responded to Pimblett’s criticism and addressed the ongoing tension between the two lightweight contenders.

Paddy is jealous. He’s easy money. He’s never going to wrestle me. He doesn’t even want to fight me, but if he does, it’s easy money.

Arman Tsarukyan via RAF Georgia press conference

Arman Tsarukyan says Paddy Pimblett is jealous and has no interest in facing him in either wrestling or MMA.

"Paddy is jealous. He's easy money. He's never going to wrestle me. He doesn't even want to fight me, but if he does, it's easy money."

(Via @RAFWrestlingUSA ) pic.twitter.com/UJkUpeBTU3

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 10, 2026

Tsarukyan is currently waiting for his next UFC matchup while continuing his activity outside the promotion. Pimblett, on the other hand, is focused on his upcoming UFC 329 bout against Benoit Saint Denis. Their rivalry remains active as both fighters pursue their respective goals in the lightweight division.

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