UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria would like his first title defense to be against No. 5 ranked contender Paddy Pimblett. It’s a match Pimblett has lobbied to get. After all, the two have history.
After winning the lightweight crown at UFC 317 by knocking out former champion Charles Oliveira, Topuria called out Pimbett. Pimblett was in attendance and entered the octagon and the two had a fiery exchange that ended with Topuria shoving Pimblett. “The Baddy” believes he’s in Topuria’s head.
“When Charles and Ilia walked out, I said straight away Ilia’s going to win. I could just tell by the way Charles looked nervous. Ilia didn’t. He was calm, and that’s how Ilia always is. He’s calm. He’s collected. He’s good at that, and that’s when he’s at his best. But I’m already in his head,” Pimblett told JNMEDIAUK.
“Never mind when we have a few press conferences and a few things. I’m already in his head as it is. Never mind before we get a press tour going. So, yeah, I’m the one. I’m his kryptonite.”
The feud between Topuria and Pimblett dates back years. It began from online comments made by Pimblett about Topuria’s countrymen. That led to a physical altercation at the fighter hotel in London during UFC Fight Night 204 fight week in March 2022. The two nearly came to blows at the UFC 282 Press Conference later that year. Soon, they may be able to settle it inside the octagon.
