Paddy Pimblett is back in the headlines, and this time, the target of his sharp tongue is none other than UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria. In a jaw-dropping claim during a recent interview, Pimblett didn’t hold back: “I will beat him like I did Chandler.” The quote raised more than eyebrows—it sent shockwaves across the MMA world. Is Pimblett serious about challenging a two-division phenom, or is this another chapter in his long-running saga of self-promotion and swagger?

Whether fans view him as too arrogant or just confident, one thing is clear: Paddy Pimblett isn’t done stirring the pot. The Liverpool-born lightweight has made a career out of being brash, bold, and fearless in the face of criticism. Now, with Ilia Topuria becoming one of the most feared names in MMA, Paddy’s decision to call him out feels like a collision course in the making.

Let’s explore the roots of this rivalry, break down the fighting styles, compare resumes, and determine whether Paddy’s claim is rooted in reality—or pure ego.

The History: Paddy vs. Topuria’s Long-Brewing Beef

This isn’t the first time Pimblett and Topuria have clashed—verbally or physically. Back in 2022, the two nearly came to blows at a fighter hotel in London during UFC Fight Night. Topuria, clearly offended by past comments Paddy made about his Georgian heritage, confronted the Scouser in a hallway. Words escalated. So did fists. And while no official bout came out of the incident, it added fuel to what has since become one of the most volatile rivalries in the UFC lightweight picture.

Fast forward to 2025, and both men have climbed new heights. Topuria claimed the featherweight title with a masterclass against Alexander Volkanovski, while Paddy earned a controversial but official win over Michael Chandler at UFC 304. The two are now in completely different weight classes, but Pimblett doesn’t care.

“Weight don’t matter when your skill is better,” Pimblett said in a recent podcast. “Topuria got hype. I’ll take that from him too.”

Paddy Pimblett’s evolution: From Meme to Contender

At first, Paddy Pimblett was considered more entertainer than elite fighter. With his wild haircuts, cheeky one-liners, and over-the-top walkouts, many fans dismissed him as a sideshow. But behind the scenes, Pimblett was steadily improving. He worked tirelessly on his cardio, tightened up his striking defense, and sharpened his grappling transitions.

His biggest leap came at UFC 304, where he shocked the world by defeating Michael Chandler via unanimous decision. Though some critics pointed to Chandler’s age and reckless style, it was Pimblett’s composure, submission defense, and improved boxing that stood out.

That win gave Pimblett legitimacy—and confidence. Now, he sees himself in the elite conversation, which explains why he feels entitled to call out Ilia Topuria, even if the matchup seems unlikely on paper.

Ilia Topuria’s rise to greatness: Calculated violence

In contrast to Pimblett’s chaotic ascent, Ilia Topuria’s rise has been clinical, devastating, and elite from the start. With an undefeated record and a finishing rate north of 85%, Topuria has dismantled the likes of Bryce Mitchell, Josh Emmett, and Volkanovski with ease.

His striking is explosive. His grappling is suffocating. His mentality? Ice cold. He’s one of the most well-rounded fighters in the UFC today—and he knows it.

Topuria has remained largely unfazed by Pimblett’s provocations in recent months. But sources close to the Spaniard say he hasn’t forgotten the London incident. And if Paddy keeps pushing the issue, Topuria might finally bite back—verbally or physically.

Bold keywords: Confidence, Rivalry, Destruction

This feud thrives on three bold keywords: Confidence, Rivalry, and Destruction.

Confidence defines Paddy Pimblett. He’s not just a fighter—he’s a performer who backs his words with action, whether it’s against a gatekeeper or a ranked opponent. His confidence is often mistaken for arrogance, but there’s substance behind the swagger.

Rivalry is the gasoline here. From that hotel skirmish to social media callouts, Pimblett and Topuria have a genuine dislike for each other. This isn’t hype—this is personal. If Dana White wants a fight that sells itself, this is the one.

Destruction is what both men promise. Pimblett says he’ll destroy Topuria like he did Chandler. Topuria, on the other hand, once promised he’d “break Paddy’s face” for disrespecting Georgia. The only way to settle it? A brutal fight that fans will never forget.

Can Paddy really beat Ilia?

Here’s where the fantasy meets reality. While Paddy Pimblett has improved dramatically, Topuria is a different animal. His striking is faster. His wrestling is stronger. And he’s arguably more dangerous in the grappling department—a domain Pimblett typically dominates.

If they fought at 155, Pimblett would have the size advantage, but it wouldn’t be significant. Both fighters cut heavily to make their respective divisions. Topuria has long hinted at a lightweight move, and some believe he’d be even more dangerous with less weight cutting.

From a technical standpoint, Topuria has the edge in almost every category. The only area where Pimblett could surprise him is durability. Paddy has an ability to absorb damage and turn fights into brawls—a style Topuria hasn’t had to face recently.

Still, on paper, this matchup heavily favors Topuria. But in MMA, anything can happen—and that’s exactly what Paddy is counting on.

Is Pimblett being arrogant, or is this pure strategy?

There’s a fine line between arrogance and strategy, especially in the UFC. Calling out a more skilled fighter is risky—but if it gets fans talking and puts you on the radar for a big-money fight, it might be worth it.

Pimblett is a master of this. He knows how to sell fights, how to create headlines, and how to build emotional stakes. His callout of Topuria isn’t just trash talk—it’s business. If he can bait Topuria into a lightweight clash, it could be the most viewed fight in either man’s career.

More importantly, if Paddy even survives a competitive bout, he legitimizes himself as more than just hype.

UFC matchmaking dilemma: Will Dana make it happen?

The UFC has a reputation for giving fans what they want. And if this verbal war between Pimblett and Topuria keeps heating up, Dana White may be tempted to capitalize on the moment.

While Topuria is likely focused on defending his featherweight title—or chasing a superfight with Islam Makhachev—a one-off grudge match at 155 with Pimblett could sell out arenas and headline a pay-per-view.

Imagine this: UFC Madrid. Topuria vs. Pimblett. Spain vs. England. Revenge vs. redemption. You won’t find a better storyline this year.

Final Verdict: A fight fueled by chaos and legacy

At the end of the day, Paddy Pimblett vs. Ilia Topuria isn’t about titles—it’s about pride. It’s about unfinished business. And it’s about one man’s belief that the rules don’t apply when you believe in yourself enough to change them.

Paddy Pimblett says he’ll “beat Topuria like I did Chandler.” Some call it delusion. Others call it destiny.

One thing’s for sure: if this fight ever happens, it won’t go the distance—and it might just become the most personal rivalry the UFC has seen since McGregor vs. Khabib.