Paddy Pimblett Offers to be Ilia Topuria’s First Fight Back and Predicts Dark Future

Paddy Pimblett offers to be Ilia Topuria's return fight while predicting a dark future for the former champion upon his return to the octagon.

Paddy Pimblett Offers to be Ilia Topuria’s First Fight Back and Predicts Dark Future

Paddy Pimblett wants to fight Ilia Topuria [via MMA Mania and Sports Illustrated]

Ilia Topuria suffered his first-ever loss in the main event of UFC Freedom 250, losing to Justin Gaethje via stoppage. The finish itself was preceded by a brutal fight that saw the Spaniard getting severely banged up by the American. As such, his longtime rival and Gaethje’s former opponent, Paddy Pimblett, has claimed that ‘El Matador’ has predicted a bleak outlook for him while offering to be his first fight back.

Topuria suffered several injuries at the White House, with the full extent of those becoming clear in the days that have followed. The former double champion suffered fractures to both orbital bones, severe facial swelling and multiple cuts, but managed to avoid requiring surgery for these injuries. He has been placed on 180-days medical suspension, and will need to be cleared by a doctor before competing again.

Despite the approximate 6-month window before the former featherweight is cleared to compete again, Pimblett has offered himself as a potential opponent for Topuria’s return. The Scouser made this known in an exclusive interview on flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson‘s YouTube channel. He also predicted the 29-year-old having a hard time recovering from the events at UFC Freedom 250.

Ilia’s never had to come back from adversity. Ilia’s only ever been the hammer he’s never been the nail you know what I mean? That’s why after that fight with Justin that I had, I knew I could come back stronger and better because I’ve done it before. I don’t think Ilia Topuria ever comes back the same…I’ve had to face adversity before so I’d happily be his first fight back.

Paddy Pimblett told Demetrious Johnson

Pimblett is not the only one to assert that Ilia Topuria would not be the same ever again after the brutal loss to Gaethje. UFC legend and former middleweight champion Michael Bisping voiced similar concerns for the former lightweight champion after his loss at the White House. Even commentator Joe Rogan got in on the debate, revealing his theory that El Matador’s pre-fight celebrations are likely over.

Nonetheless, Paddy Pimblett has also had a lot to say since Topuria shockingly lost to the ‘Highlight’ at UFC Freedom 250. The former interim title challenger mocked the Spaniard for “quitting” against an opponent he himself went 5 rounds with back in January. However, ‘The ‘Baddy’ isn’t convinced that he will have done enough to earn a rematch against him even if he wins his upcoming fight at UFC 329.

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Paddy Pimblett doesn’t think he deserves a Justin Gaethje rematch just yet

Paddy Pimblett and Justin Gaethje went to war in the inaugural card on Paramount back in January at UFC 324. Despite the 37-year-old winning a lopsided decision by the end, the action on display in the cage during the 5 rounds of this fight was quite the spectacle. Even so, Pimblett doesn’t think running it back is an option for him anytime soon.

Paddy Pimblett, Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett doesn’t think he deserves a Justin Gaethje rematch [via MMA Fighting]

The Scouser is currently preparing to take on Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 on July 11th during International Fight Week. This will be his first fight since suffering his first UFC loss in January. However, he opined in a video on his YouTube channel that simply getting back in the win column will not be enough for him to earn a title shot over other contenders in the division.

I think Arman’s probably still the number one contender, but Justin said himself that Charles has beaten before, so he’d like to fight Charles again. But there’s so many different variables in the lightweight division now, you don’t know. I’d love to beat BSD and get a rematch with Justin, but I can’t really demand that after a one-fight win streak.

Paddy Pimblett via his YouTube Channel

With a rematch against the American lightweight champion seemingly off the table, Paddy Pimblett’s callout of Ilia Topuria makes sense. However, the Spaniard himself wants a rematch against Justin Gaethje, calling for one in the first statement since losing his title and undefeated record. All in all, like the Scouser insinuated, this is an interesting time in the UFC lightweight division.

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