Pimblett Calls Out Topuria For TUF Before Grudge Match

Paddy Pimblett wants to settle his feud with Ilia Topuria on camera before they fight.

The UFC lightweight, who submitted Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 earlier this year, told Kolos MMA that coaching opposite Topuria on The Ultimate Fighter would set up a massive grudge match. "I think me and Ilia Topuria would be a brilliant season of The Ultimate Fighter because I'd get under his skin so much, that when we come into the fight, I'd beat him just as fast as McGregor beat Aldo," he said, per Bloody Elbow.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 8 on Ticketmaster →

Pimblett And Topuria On Collision Course At Lightweight

Topuria lost his lightweight title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 and is expected back later this year. If Gaethje retires and vacates the belt, the former featherweight champion could be in line for a vacant title shot. Pimblett said he has no fight booked but would beat Topuria badly enough to send him back down to 145 pounds.

Dana White has repeatedly said Pimblett versus Topuria would be big enough to headline a major event. With top contender Arman Tsarukyan also in the lightweight mix, the two could potentially meet in a title eliminator.

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to Dana White's Contender Series, Season 10, Week 8 on Ticketmaster →

Pimblett added that six weeks opposite Topuria on The Ultimate Fighter would be entertaining to say the least. The show last aired in 2023 and has not been renewed for 2027.

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• BJPenn — Paddy Pimblett calls to settle Ilia Topuria feud on The Ultimate Fighter before grudge match