Paddy Pimblett says he's ready to fight Ilia Topuria in Liverpool if Spaniard moves to lightweight: "I can't make featherweight"
Paddy Pimblett defeated King Green via first-round submission on the main card of UFC 304, earning a Performance of the Night bonus and, in all likelihood, a spot in the rankings for the first time in his UFC career. 'The Baddy' recently reignited his feud with Ilia Topuria, claiming that he's ready to face 'El Matador' and knock him out.
Speaking at his post-fight press conference, Pimblett was asked about facing the featherweight champion at Anfield, the home stadium of Liverpool F.C., responding:
"Yes, it is [a storyline between the two], but I can't make featherweight, lad. I'd have to chop my foot and leg off. There's no way I'm making 145 [pounds], but no I don't think it would have to be for the title. I think I'd sell it anyways and probably get half of [Next Generation MMA] on the card. As I said, I don't think it needs the title, but f**k Ilia, anyways."
When asked if he thinks a bout between the two could come to fruition, he responded:
"Yeah, I'm game to fight him, lad, you know what I mean? I'm game to fight him if he wants to come up to 155, lad. I'll finish Jai Herbert's job and actually f**king knock him out."
Check out Paddy Pimblett's comments on facing Ilia Topuria below:
Topuria made his lightweight debut when he faced Jai Herbert at UFC Fight Night 204 in March 2022. While he was knocked down by a head kick in the first round, he recovered and won the bout via second-round knockout. A feud between 'El Matador' and Pimblett also began during the week leading up to the card, as they were involved in a scuffle at the fighter hotel.
Paddy Pimblett claims Ilia Topuria is scared of Max Holloway
Ilia Topuria has not returned to the octagon since defeating Alexander Volkanovski via second-round knockout to capture the featherweight title in the main event of UFC 298. While he appears set to defend his title against Max Holloway at UFC 307, there has been no official announcement.
Paddy Pimblett recently suggested that the featherweight champion may be scared of 'Blessed' while speaking on his YouTube channel, stating:
"I think I've got the same as everyone. Everyone's picking Max, you know what I mean? Hand sanitizer boy is scared to take the fight. He doesn't want to take the fight against Max because he knows what will happen. He fought Volkanovski at the perfect time. Coming back off of getting knocked out like ten weeks later. He got lucky there, to be honest."
Check out Paddy Pimblett's comments on Ilia Topuria facing Max Holloway below:
While Topuria and Pimblett appeared to be on a collision course when they were involved in an altercation at UFC Fight Night 204, a bout between the two seems less likely as things stand. It is clear, however, that the feud between them will not be dying down anytime soon.