Paddy Pimblett remains confident he can defeat Ilia Topuria, despite UFC 308 outcome: "I'm willing to any time"
Paddy Pimblett remains confident in his ability to defeat Ilia Topuria. Over the last eight months, Topuria's stock has skyrocketed by knocking out Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. Many in the MMA community now regard the UFC featherweight champion as one of the most dangerous fighters in the entire promotion, but his former rival isn't worried about a potential matchup.
Before earning UFC gold, Topuria had a viral rivalry with number fourteen-ranked Paddy Pimblett. The tension boiled over into an altercation before they each fought at UFC London in 2022. Pimblett was seen on video throwing a hand sanitizer bottle at Topuria.
Pimblett recently posted a video on YouTube reacting to UFC 308, including Topuria's knockout win against Holloway. 'The Baddy' had this to say about the featherweight champion spectacularly retaining his throne:
"Hand sanitizer boy with the win, heavy. Well done, Ilia. Give you your due, lad. 16-0, hand sanitizer boy. Can't wait for him to come back up to lightweight. Still think I'd beat him. I really do. I still think I'd beat him, lad. Whether he's just beat Max Holloway or not. I still think I'd beat him, lad, by kicking him on the feet or taking him down and submitting him."
Pimblett continued:
"I genuinely think I'd beat him, but Congrats, Ilia Topuria. Well done, son. Congratulations, lad... Obviously, hand sanitizer knocked Holloway out. Didn't see that coming, but give him his due, good finish. Max was the better boxer, but Ilia's the better swinger, isn't he? He ended up catching him with them big shots on the button, so Congrats fella. Can't wait for Volk to come back and beat you up. If he doesn't, I'm willing to any time."
Watch Paddy Pimblett's comments about Ilia Topuria starting at 9:57 below:
Will Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett ever fight?
Dana White has claimed he'd prefer Ilia Topuria to defend his featherweight title a few more times before potentially moving up to lightweight. Therefore, Topuria would first need to continue taking out 145-pound contenders.
Topuria could eventually move up to lightweight and challenge Islam Makhachev to become a two-division world champion. If Topuria emerges victorious, Paddy Pimblett would need to climb the ranks and earn a title shot at 155 pounds.
Although the matchup is unlikely, Topuria and Pimblett combining their star power, would make for a must-see event.
Watch the hotel lobby altercation between Topuria and Pimblett below: