Ilia Topuria's Plan for the Undefeated Star Is Anything But Respectful
Fresh off a thunderous knockout win at UFC 317, Ilia Topuria has been making the media rounds with the confidence only a newly crowned champion could carry. Then again, confidence is nothing new for Topuria—it's been his trademark since day one. While fans are still processing his dismantling of a former lightweight king, the featherweight-turned-double champ already seems locked in on what—or rather, who—comes next.
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It's no secret that Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett don't see eye to eye. The two fighters have exchanged insults for years, fueling speculation that a showdown could be inevitable.
Ilia TopuriaGetty Images
Their rivalry was reignited after a recent interview with TMZ Sports—shared by Championship Rounds—where Topuria didn't just talk about winning, he painted a humiliating picture of how he'd do it.
'I could choose the way I finish him,' Topuria said.
'Maybe it's gonna be cool to submit him with a triangle choke…
put my balls on his forehead.'
The comment went viral, drawing a mix of laughter, outrage, and even support from fans who have long followed the feud.
While some called it disrespectful, others saw it as classic fight promotion—and a window into just how personal this matchup has become over the years.
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Ilia Topuria & Paddy PimblettJeff Bottari-GettyImages
It's the kind of bad blood that practically sells itself without any official poster or promo.
As the verbal jabs escalate, UFC President Dana White and his team are weighing the options for Topuria's first title defense at 155. Many see a bout with Pimblett as a potential blockbuster, one that would deliver fireworks both inside the Octagon and at the box office.
Related: UFC Faces Pressure as Ilia Topuria's Next Opponent Narrowed to 3 Possibilities
Related: Paddy Pimblett Sets the Record Straight on UFC 319
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
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