Rumors are growing that Paddy Pimblett could face Ilia Topuria for the UFC lightweight title early next year as part of the promotion’s first event under its new deal with Paramount in 2026.
Topuria captured the vacant title by knocking out Charles Oliveira earlier this year, and although Dana White dismissed their post-fight faceoff as unplanned, speculation about a showdown has persisted.
Speaking to James Sweetnam, Pimblett said he would relish the matchup and predicted he’d dominate the Spanish champion. “I’d absolutely smash his face in,” Pimblett said. “People put him on a pedestal like he’s amazing, but I’ll bring him crashing back down to earth.”
The pair’s rivalry dates back to UFC London, where tensions first flared backstage. Topuria has also hinted that he’d prefer to fight Pimblett before pursuing a potential bout with Islam Makhachev.
Makhachev, however, has criticized the rumored fight, arguing that Pimblett “isn’t a real challenge” for Topuria. Fans have echoed that sentiment, calling for more deserving contenders such as Arman Tsarukyan or Justin Gaethje, who has threatened to retire if denied another title shot.
