Topuria Calls Out Pimblett After Gaethje Upset

Ilia Topuria says he plans to return in April against Paddy Pimblett, five months after Justin Gaethje stopped him in the fourth round to take his lightweight title at UFC White House.

Topuria entered June's main event as a heavy favourite, with talk already swirling about a potential move to welterweight to challenge Islam Makhachev for triple-champ status. Instead, Gaethje landed one of the year's biggest upsets, battering the champion to a corner stoppage at the end of round four. The former two-division titleholder has stayed mostly silent since, but told ABC Diario this week he has made peace with the defeat.

Topuria On What's Next After First Career Loss

"I've been in the worst situation a fighter can possibly be in," Topuria said in a preview clip released Thursday. "I've experienced the worst day of my career. What's worse than that? Dying?" He added that while he questioned himself over the past months, the reality is simple: "You either win or you lose; and I lost."

Topuria said he has achieved everything in the sport and floated retirement as a possibility after his comeback fight, though for now he is locked in on returning better than before. "Like you have never seen him before," he said, per MMA Fighting. Dana White confirmed earlier this week the promotion is planning Topuria's return for early 2027.

The Georgian-Spanish fighter made clear who he wants next. "Paddy, Paddy, Paddy," Topuria said. "I'll eat him like a sausage, which he is." A spring clash with Pimblett would mark the latest chapter in a rivalry that has simmered for years, with both fighters trading barbs on social media and in interviews since their days climbing the ranks.

Reported via:

• MMA Fighting — Ilia Topuria opens up on loss to Justin Gaethje, calls for Paddy Pimblett in April