Ilia Topuria says his long-running feud with Paddy Pimblett has cooled, shifting from personal animosity to a purely professional rivalry as the pair move closer to a potential fight in 2026.
The UFC lightweight champion famously clashed with Pimblett in a hotel confrontation three years ago, with the bad blood continuing through interviews and social media. But Topuria now suggests that chapter is closed, following Pimblett’s supportive comments after Topuria announced a break from MMA to deal with family matters.
With Topuria sidelined, Pimblett has been booked to face Justin Gaethje for an interim lightweight title at UFC 324 in January. Rather than criticising his rival, Pimblett publicly wished him well — a gesture that appears to have changed Topuria’s perspective.
“I always said he looked like a super entertaining guy who’s done a great job,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes. “He had his slip with a tweet about Georgia, but we all learn from our mistakes. Deep down, I see that he understands family and personal problems and respects that.”
Topuria added that while their eventual fight excites fans, “at the end of the day, we are professionals, and we’ll have a professional match.”
Separately, the 28-year-old also reiterated his long-term ambition to switch to boxing once his MMA career is complete, saying he wants to fully finish his story in the UFC before making a proper transition to the ring.
