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Paddy Pimbett would love the opportunity to welcome Ilia Topuria in the light division.
Topuria experienced a sensational honors in 2024, winning honors for its victories with direct elimination on the big ones of all time Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway. In fact, the year of Topuria was so impressive that despite a single defense of his name, the featherweight champion already fell up to a step up to 155 pounds, even targeting a fight with former champion Charles Oliveira If he cannot obtain a title fight against Islam Makhachev immediately. But Pimbett thinks it’s a little too early.
“Ilia is a midget,” said Pimbett Daniel Cortes. “People don’t understand how big as I am than it. I am so much larger than him; People do not realize. I would love to look with him, just so that everyone can see how tall I am. …
“Don’t get me wrong, it’s very good. It is not because I don’t like him that I will sit here and lie. He’s a very good fighter. He is. But I also think that it was accelerated on the belt because (Volkanovski) had already eliminated the featherweight division. I think it was accelerated on the belt. He had only beaten Bryce Mitchell and Josh Emmett and had obtained a title shot. He didn’t even have to beat Brian Ortega or Yair Rodriguez or Arnold Allen. He jumped these fighters and was able to fight for the belt just because Volk had eliminated the division.
“And personally, I don’t think he eliminates Volk unless Volk was kicked out for 12 weeks before by Islam (Makhachev). I think Volk fought far too early. Volk won this first and second round until he was caught. I think the revenge match will be very revealing because, obviously, he knocked out Holloway. Holloway has never been eliminated, but he was in several wars. He suffered a lot of damage. I think that if he beats Volk a second time, then beats a Diego Lopes, then yes, he could be the best featherweight of all time. But he talks about coming in light weight when he had only one defense title. I think you have to defend the belt at least three times if you want to fight for the belt in the division above. »»
Pimbett and Topuria have their own story, dating back to 2022, when the two had an altercation during a UFC London event where the two competed. The two almost came later again that year at the UFC 282 press conference before the security intervention. Since then, their rivalry has persisted, and although Topuria has not been interested in adjusting their differences in the cage, Pimbett is more than happy to force.
“If he wants to come light, I’m waiting here,” said Pimbett. “I will be there to welcome him. I do not think that anyone in the division has more to pretend to welcome him in the division than me. … I would love to fight fair with him and kick him everywhere in the blunder.
