Pimblett Details Hatred Of Topuria

Paddy Pimblett wants to hurt Ilia Topuria badly.

The Liverpool lightweight told fans he harbours genuine animosity toward the featherweight champion and hopes to face him inside the Octagon, MMA Mania reports. Pimblett said he wants to cause pain in Topuria's life, signaling the depth of the bad blood between the two fighters.

Pimblett Prefers Topuria Over Gaethje Return

The comments come as Pimblett eyes his next opponent following his most recent victory. Multiple observers have floated former interim champion Justin Gaethje as a logical next step, but Pimblett appears more interested in settling scores with Topuria than running back an old rivalry.

Topuria currently holds the UFC featherweight title and has feuded publicly with several lightweights over the past year. Pimblett trains out of Next Generation MMA in Liverpool and has steadily climbed the lightweight rankings despite criticism of his opponents.

No official talks have been announced between the camps. Pimblett is expected back in the cage before the end of the year.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Paddy Pimblett details hatred of Ilia Topuria: ‘I want to inflict pain on his life’