The UFC lightweight division has always been stacked with superstars, but right now, no rivalry has fans buzzing louder than Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett. This potential clash isn’t just another fight—it has all the ingredients to become one of the biggest events in UFC history.
While both men are on very different career trajectories, the tension between them, their massive fanbases, and the timing of the division make this matchup a must for the UFC. If the promotion waits too long, they risk losing out on what could be one of the most marketable fights of the modern era.
The Rise of Ilia Topuria: From Contender to Champion
Ilia Topuria, also known as “El Matador”, has taken the UFC by storm. Earlier this year, he scored one of the most spectacular victories of his career by knocking out Charles Oliveira to claim the UFC lightweight championship. That win didn’t just put a belt around his waist—it pushed him to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, ahead of names like Islam Makhachev and Khamzat Chimaev.
What makes Topuria stand out is his perfect record. Still undefeated, he is already being hailed by many fans and analysts as a potential greatest of all time (GOAT) candidate. His combination of slick boxing, world-class grappling, and icy composure inside the Octagon has made him a nightmare matchup for nearly everyone at 155 pounds.
Yet, beyond the talent, Topuria brings something even rarer: star power. Fans across Spain and Georgia rally behind him, and after his title win at UFC 317, his global following exploded.
The Unexpected Star: Paddy Pimblett’s Meteoric Rise
Across the Atlantic, another name has been climbing the ranks—Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett. Since joining the UFC, the eccentric Liverpool fighter has become a fan-favorite thanks to his hilarious personality, outspoken confidence, and entertaining fighting style.
What sets Pimblett apart is not just what he does inside the cage, but how he connects with fans outside of it. His interviews go viral, his walkouts are electric, and his rowdy English supporters bring an atmosphere that feels more like a soccer stadium than a fight night.
Despite some critics saying his resume doesn’t yet warrant a title shot, Pimblett has something more valuable than rankings—marketability. He is one of the few fighters capable of generating mainstream attention, and when combined with Topuria’s growing fanbase, the matchup becomes an instant blockbuster.
A Rivalry Years in the Making
The heat between Topuria and Pimblett isn’t artificial—it’s real. Their feud began years ago, escalating when they nearly came to blows in a fighter hotel ahead of UFC London. Since then, the animosity has only grown.
Most recently, after Topuria’s title victory at UFC 317, the two men faced off in the Octagon. The intensity in that moment had fans on their feet, giving everyone a taste of how massive a full fight between the two could be.
This isn’t just about rankings—it’s about a personal rivalry with national pride, legacy, and bragging rights on the line. Rivalries like this are rare, and the UFC must strike while the iron is hot.
Why the UFC Must Act Now
The UFC has built its empire on knowing when to make the right fights. Legendary matchups like Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz, Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier, and Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor weren’t just fights—they were moments in history.
Topuria vs. Pimblett has that same potential, but timing is everything. Here’s why the UFC can’t afford to wait:
Pimblett’s Window Could Close
While Pimblett is a massive star, his performances have shown vulnerabilities. He has taken hits, been dragged into tough fights, and doesn’t yet have a win against top-five competition. If he’s matched against another elite lightweight before facing Topuria, there’s a real chance he loses and the fight’s marketability drops dramatically.
Topuria Needs a Marquee Rival
As dominant as Topuria has been, every superstar needs a rival. Anderson Silva had Chael Sonnen. Khabib had McGregor. For Topuria, Pimblett is the perfect foil—loud, brash, and representing an entirely different fanbase.
The Lightweight Division Is Crowded
Fighters like Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, and Arman Tsarukyan all deserve opportunities. But matchmaking isn’t just about rankings—it’s about selling pay-per-views. If the UFC sidelines Pimblett too long, the rivalry fizzles and the moment passes.
The Stakes for Both Fighters
This fight isn’t just about entertainment—it carries huge implications for both men’s careers.
For Ilia Topuria:
Defeating Pimblett would only add to his growing legend. While critics may dismiss Pimblett’s ranking, the fight would give Topuria mainstream recognition and potentially elevate him into McGregor-level superstardom.
For Paddy Pimblett:
A win over the undefeated champion would silence doubters and instantly make him one of the most unlikely champions in UFC history. Even in defeat, Pimblett’s stock would rise simply by sharing the cage in such a high-profile fight.
Breaking Down the Matchup: Does Pimblett Have a Chance?
The big question fans ask: Can Paddy Pimblett actually beat Ilia Topuria?
On paper, the odds are stacked heavily against him. Topuria has better boxing, devastating knockout power, and elite grappling. Pimblett’s chin has been tested multiple times, and the thought of Topuria landing clean is a nightmare scenario for his supporters.
However, there are factors that make the matchup intriguing:
Size Advantage
Pimblett is naturally bigger. While Topuria spent much of his career at featherweight (145 lbs), Pimblett has struggled to even stay at lightweight, often ballooning in weight between fights. On fight night, Pimblett could have a significant size and reach advantage.
Unpredictability
Pimblett thrives in chaos. His aggressive style, unorthodox striking, and underrated grappling could give Topuria unexpected problems if he can drag the fight out of the champion’s comfort zone.
The Intangibles
Rivalry fights bring out a different energy. Emotions, pride, and the roar of the crowd can sometimes swing momentum. Pimblett’s army of fans could create an environment unlike anything Topuria has faced before.
Still, most analysts predict Topuria would likely dominate. But as the saying goes, “In MMA, anything can happen.”
The Business Angle: Why This Fight Prints Money
From a promotional standpoint, Topuria vs. Pimblett is a goldmine.
Geographic Appeal: Spain and Georgia will rally behind Topuria, while the UK will show up in force for Pimblett.
Casual Fan Interest: Pimblett’s charisma draws casual viewers who may not usually watch MMA.
Rivalry Energy: Genuine bad blood is always more marketable than fabricated trash talk.
Highlight Potential: Both fighters are finishers, meaning this fight is unlikely to be boring.
It’s a fight that sells itself, and in the world of combat sports, that’s rare.
What Happens If the UFC Misses the Moment?
If the UFC delays, several things could happen:
Pimblett Loses to Another Contender
A loss to someone like Tsarukyan, Gaethje, or Poirier would crush the hype and make the rivalry less appealing.
Topuria Moves On to Bigger Fights
With names like Makhachev and Chimaev looming, Topuria could move into mega-fights that overshadow Pimblett.
The Rivalry Fizzles
Fans have short attention spans. Without action, the buzz could fade, and the UFC would have wasted the perfect timing.
Strike Now or Lose Forever
The UFC has a golden opportunity sitting right in front of them. Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett isn’t about rankings or meritocracy—it’s about creating a historic fight that fans will remember forever.
Topuria is at the peak of his momentum. Pimblett is still undefeated in the UFC and has the entire UK behind him. The rivalry is hot, the timing is perfect, and the marketability is undeniable.
If the UFC waits, they risk losing it all. If they act now, they could deliver one of the all-time great UFC events—a clash between a dominant champion and one of the most charismatic challengers in MMA history.
For the sake of the fans, the fighters, and the sport, Ilia Topuria vs. Paddy Pimblett must be made next.
