Paddy Pimblett Takes Credit for Ilia Topuria’s Popularity: “He Thinks He’s Too Good to Fight Me?”

British superstar Paddy Pimblett credits himself for UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria's rise in fame.

Paddy Pimblett Takes Credit for Ilia Topuria’s Popularity: “He Thinks He’s Too Good to Fight Me?”

Paddy Pimblett goes off on Ilia Topuria (via MMA Fighting, Playoffs)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

In the modern era of MMA, superstar fighters are the selling points of promotions, primarily the UFC. Since its initiation in 1993, the UFC has seen many superstars, such as Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, cement themselves in the sport’s history. UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria is the most recent example of this. However, Paddy Pimblett believes that he is the reason for Topuria’s rise to fame.

Born in Germany with Spanish-Georgian heritage, Topuria has steadily climbed the ranks since his debut in 2020. He demonstrated exceptional knockout power and boxing prowess, which earned him the title after knocking out Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. He then became the first person to knock out Max Holloway before finally vacating the featherweight belt to move to lightweight.

‘El Matador’ went on to knock out Charles Oliveira to win the vacant 155-pound belt at UFC 317, which joined him to an elite group of double champions. His octagon presence and dangerous demeanor have made him a fan favorite. Pimblett is one of the most prominent names for Topuria’s first title defense and took credit for the Spanish-Georgian champion’s popularity in a recent interview.

No one would know Ilia Topuria if it wasn’t for me. Now he thinks he’s too good to fight me? He’s so fake. Like half his followers. He’s not even from Spain, he’s German.

Paddy Pimblett via MARCA

Pimblett has emerged as one of the division’s most active and recognized fighters, known for his consistent performances and marketability within the promotion. His record reflects a series of dominant victories against the likes of Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, and King Green. Over the past few years, ‘Paddy the Baddy’ has steadily built a following through both in-cage success and public visibility.

A matchup between Pimblett and Topuria has been teased since their infamous brawl outside a hotel during UFC London fight week in 2022. Ever since then, both fighters have been taking constant shots at each other online. Pimblett also stormed into the cage and faced off against Topuria after his lightweight title win at UFC 317. However, a sudden shift in rankings for the Liverpudlian also sparked speculation.

There have been reports regarding a January 2026 return for ‘El Matador’; however, there is no confirmed news yet. Many lightweights, including Arman Tsarukyan and Justin Gaethje, have been vocal regarding a shot at the title. However, Paddy Pimblett’s star power has consistently landed him big-name matchups in the past, and it may do the same for Ilia Topuria in their potential super fight.

Paddy Pimblett expresses wish to fight Ilia Topuria in Spain

Ilia Topuria, with Spanish heritage, has previously expressed interest in fighting at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home stadium of the Spanish football team Real Madrid. The lightweight champion’s profile in the UFC has grown steadily through his in-cage performances, and a fight at such a landmark venue would mark a notable moment in his career.

Paddy Pimblett wants to fight Ilia Topuria in Spain
Paddy Pimblett wants to fight Ilia Topuria in Spain (via Bloody Elbow, MMA Mania)

Paddy Pimblett’s outspoken personality and trash-talking have played a significant role in his growing star power within the UFC. Known for his ability to generate attention ahead of fights, Pimblett has frequently leveraged public statements to elevate matchups and fan interest. In discussions surrounding a potential bout with Topuria, Pimblett recently commented on Topuria’s Spanish heritage.

I’d love to come to Bernabeu and punch your face in. In front of your fake countrymen, because you’re really German. The Bernabeu is a ****hole

Paddy Pimblett via X

A matchup between Pimblett and Topuria carries implications beyond personal rivalry, potentially affecting rankings, promotional priorities, and European market engagement. The outcome of a fight at the Bernabeu could influence title contention pathways in the lightweight division, as well as the UFC’s first-ever event in Spain.

Also Read: