Topuria vs. Pimblett: From Social Media Beef to Potential Octagon Showdown
The UFC’s most entertaining feuds don’t always start in the octagon. Sometimes they begin with a Twitter jab, a backstage confrontation, or a passing comment in an interview. That’s exactly what happened between featherweight champion Ilia Topuria and lightweight contender Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett.
For years, these two have been trading verbal bombs from a distance. Now, the possibility of them actually fighting is heating up, and I’m here for it.
How the Topuria-Pimblett Rivalry Ignited
Remember when these two nearly came to blows backstage at UFC London in March 2022? Topuria confronted Pimblett over comments about Georgia (Topuria’s homeland), and “The Baddy” responded by throwing a hand sanitizer bottle at him. Not exactly championship material, but it set the stage for what’s become one of the most entertaining rivalries in the sport.
Since then, they’ve kept the flames burning through social media callouts, interview jabs, and the occasional public threat. Topuria has repeatedly called Pimblett “easy money,” while the Liverpool native has dismissed Topuria as someone desperately chasing his clout.
But now that Topuria holds UFC gold after his stunning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, and Pimblett continues his rise in the lightweight division, this fantasy matchup suddenly doesn’t seem so far-fetched.
Could This Fight Actually Happen?
Let’s be real – there are legitimate obstacles. Topuria competes at 145 pounds while Pimblett fights at 155. But with the UFC’s love for money fights and champion vs. champion showdowns, it’s not impossible.
Here’s what might need to happen:
- Pimblett would need a few more impressive wins at lightweight
- Topuria would either need to defend his title a couple times or express serious interest in moving up
- The UFC would need to recognize the massive marketing potential (which they absolutely would)
The Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Record | Division | Fighting Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ilia Topuria | 15-0 | Featherweight | Technical striking, powerful grappling |
| Paddy Pimblett | 21-3 | Lightweight | Unorthodox striking, submission specialist |
Why This Fight Would Be Box Office Gold
The UFC loves nothing more than genuine bad blood. And unlike some manufactured beefs we’ve seen, this one’s as real as it gets. Topuria genuinely seems to despise Pimblett, and “The Baddy” has never been one to back down from a verbal sparring match.
Add in their contrasting personalities – Topuria’s calculated intensity versus Pimblett’s brash showmanship – and you’ve got all the ingredients for a promotional goldmine.
Plus, their fighting styles would make for an intriguing matchup. Topuria’s technical precision against Pimblett’s chaotic creativity? Sign me up.
What The Fighters Are Saying
Topuria hasn’t been shy about his desire to eventually face Pimblett, recently stating in an interview: “That fight would be easy money for me. He talks too much for someone who hasn’t beaten anybody significant.”
Meanwhile, Pimblett has been more dismissive, suggesting that Topuria is “obsessed” with him and “using my name for clout.”
But as we’ve seen countless times in MMA, today’s impossibility often becomes tomorrow’s main event.
What’s Next For Both Fighters?
Before any dream matchup can materialize, both men have business to handle. Topuria will likely defend his newly-won featherweight title against a top contender like Max Holloway or the returning Volkanovski.
Pimblett, still building his UFC resume, needs to continue his winning ways and potentially crack the lightweight rankings before a superfight becomes realistic.
But make no mistake – the UFC is well aware of this simmering rivalry. And in a sport where the most heated feuds often lead to the biggest paydays, don’t be surprised if Dana White starts dropping hints about this potential matchup sooner rather than later.
The Bottom Line
While Topuria vs. Pimblett might not be on the immediate horizon, the foundation has been laid for what could be one of the most anticipated fights in recent memory. Their contrasting styles, genuine dislike for each other, and growing star power make this a promoter’s dream.
For now, we’ll have to settle for their continued social media warfare and occasional press conference jabs. But in the fight game, never say never – especially when there’s this much bad blood involved.
What do you think? Would you want to see Topuria and Pimblett settle their differences in the octagon? Let me know in the comments below.
Source: CBS Sports