Topuria Calls Out Pimblett For 2027 Return

Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria has set his sights on Paddy Pimblett for his comeback fight in 2027.

Topuria, who lost his title to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 earlier this year, told Spanish outlet ABC Diario that he is targeting an April return and wants the Liverpool lightweight. "Paddy, Paddy, Paddy," he said, per MMA Fighting. "I'll eat him like a sausage, which he is."

Topuria Reflects On Gaethje Loss

The Georgian-Spanish fighter addressed the mental toll of his first professional defeat in the preview clip. "I've been in the worst situation a fighter can possibly be in," he said. "I've experienced the worst day of my career. What's worse than that? Dying?" He added that the loss forced him to question whether something was off during camp, but concluded simply that he lost and must move forward.

Topuria hinted at the possibility of retirement depending on how his next outing goes. "I've achieved everything, and after this fight, what else?" he said. "Maybe I'll even retire." He promised fans they would see a different version of him when he steps back into the octagon. "Like you have never seen him before," he said of his return.

The matchup with Pimblett has been discussed for years but never materialised while Topuria held the featherweight strap. With both fighters now looking to rebuild momentum, an April showdown could finally settle their long-simmering rivalry.

Photo by John Fornander on Unsplash

Original reporting:

• bjpenn.com — Ilia Topuria reveals desire to face Paddy Pimblett in return fight next year | BJPenn.com