Paddy Pimblett thinks that Ilia Topuria has bitten off more than he can chew by moving up to the UFC’s lightweight division.
Topuria captured the undisputed UFC featherweight title by knocking out long-reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298, then defended it by knocking out Max Holloway at UFC 308 as he cemented his status as the world’s top 145-pound fighter.
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Rumors had linked Topuria with a possible rematch with Volkanovski, while Brazilian contender Diego Lopes was also in the mix.
But Topuria, who has made no secret of his desire to face lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, has instead decided to relinquish his featherweight crown and is now making the permanent move up to 155 pounds to compete at lightweight.
It’s a move that has caused plenty of discussion within the sport, and rising UFC lightweight contender Pimblett has offered his take, as he suggested that Topuria has made a bad move by moving up.
“That’s the fight I want. I want that fight,” he told Round Eight Boxing.
“That’s another one just to prove everyone wrong. He’s a midget, lad. He’s not a lightweight. He shouldn’t be fighting at lightweight. He should just stop at featherweight. It’s going to be the downfall of his career.”
Pimblett and Topuria have had a simmering rivalry ever since they clashed at the host hotel during fight week in London back in March 2022.
Pimblett has called for a fight with Topuria ever since, but with the pair competing in different weight classes, a bout never came to fruition. Now, with Topuria joining Pimblett at 155 pounds, the barrier to a potential clash appears to have been removed.
For now, though, Topuria is looking to book an immediate title fight with Makhachev as he bids to capture a UFC title in a second weight class.
But, while Topuria’s quest has been praised by some, Pimblett said that he thinks that the move up to lightweight is a bridge too far for the undefeated star.
“It’s a big mistake,” Pimblett stated.
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“I think he knew that in a rematch with Volk, fighting Volk when he hasn’t been knocked out 12 weeks earlier with a naughty head kick, I think he knew Volk would give him a very tough test.
“He said he cemented his legacy at the weight. It’s a little bit of bull**t. Beat Volk again, beat (Diego) Lopes, beat (Movsar) Evloev, then you’ve cleared the division out, then move up.
“Champions are too quick to want to move up now and not defend the belt.”
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