Paddy Pimblett is still eyeing UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria.
Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and Topuria (16-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) have had ongoing tensions, with incidents in London in March 2022 and a confrontation during the UFC 282 press conference.
Both fighters have found success, but Topuria’s career has reached new heights. “El Matador” retained his featherweight title by being the first to knock out Max Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) in UFC 308’s main event in Abu Dhabi. Pimblett acknowledges he didn’t expect Topuria to defeat Holloway in that manner, but he remains confident in his ability to defeat him if they were to ever meet.
“Heavy, hand sanitizer boy got the victory,” Pimblett remarked on his YouTube channel. “Well done, Ilia. Congratulations on your 16-0 record. I believe I could beat him. Regardless of his win over Max Holloway, I still think I have what it takes to beat him, whether it’s on the feet with kicks or taking him down for a submission. Congratulations, Ilia Topuria. Well done.”
Although former champion Alexander Volkanovski is likely to get a rematch with Topuria, Pimblett is open to facing him at lightweight. Pimblett’s most recent win was a first-round submission of King Green at UFC 304 in July.
“Hand sanitizer boy unexpectedly knocked out Holloway,” Pimblett stated. “I didn’t see that coming, but credit to him for the finish. Max had the better boxing, but Ilia’s power prevailed. I look forward to Volkanovski getting his revenge, and if he doesn’t, I’m willing to step in anytime.”
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