Topuria vs Pimblett: Callout & Feud Explained
- Ilia Topuria is set to compete for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 317 against Charles Oliveira.
- The animosity between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to 2021.
- Topuria, who lived in Georgia during the 2008 war, took offence to the comment.
Ilia Topuria isn’t just eyeing the vacant lightweight title; he’s already targeting Paddy Pimblett for his first defense, igniting a feud that’s years in the making. Discover the explosive history behind the Topuria vs. pimblett rivalry, tracing back to online disputes, a London hotel confrontation, and heated exchanges at press conferences. Explore how Topuria’s animosity towards Pimblett, stemming from comments about Georgia, has fueled their animosity. Learn how their paths crossed at UFC 282. News Directory 3 provides a comprehensive breakdown of this simmering conflict. With Topuria’s recent dominance and Pimblett’s rising status, could this callout materialize? Discover what’s next …
Topuria Eyes Pimblett for First Lightweight Title Defense
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Ilia Topuria is set to compete for the vacant UFC lightweight title at UFC 317 against Charles Oliveira. The former featherweight champion is so sure of victory that he’s already considering his first title defense, and his preferred opponent is Paddy Pimblett.
Origin of the Topuria-Pimblett Feud
The animosity between Topuria and Pimblett dates back to 2021. Pimblett engaged in an online dispute wiht Guram Kutateladze, a fighter from Georgia, and made a controversial remark about Georgians that has since been deleted.
Topuria, who lived in Georgia during the 2008 war, took offence to the comment. This led to a confrontation at a London hotel in March 2022,where punches and a bottle of hand sanitizer were reportedly thrown.
“It comes from a long time ago,” Topuria said on The MMA hour, referencing Pimblett’s remarks about the Russia-Georgia conflict. “To see how someone is joking about that, it makes my blood boil.”
Both Topuria and Pimblett fought on the London card. Topuria won against Jai Herbert, and Pimblett defeated Kazula Vargas. Both earned “Performance of the Night” bonuses.
Feud Reignites at UFC 282
The rivalry flared up again at the UFC 282 press conference in December 2022. Pimblett made disparaging remarks about Topuria’s background, which further escalated the tension.
Topuria and Pimblett both fought at UFC 282. Topuria defeated Bryce Mitchell, and Pimblett won against Jared Gordon. Topuria earned another “Performance of the Night” bonus.
Since then, Topuria claimed, defended, and relinquished the UFC featherweight title, most recently knocking out Max holloway. Pimblett, currently ranked No. 8 in the lightweight division, secured a TKO victory over Michael Chandler in april 2025.
Topuria Calls Out Pimblett
“Honestly, if I could choose a fight, I would fight him because I hate him,” Topuria told ESPN Deportes. “I’d love to give that fight to the fans… Two people who really want to fight each other, and what better way than to fight in front of everyone and put on a show?”
Pimblett does not have a fight scheduled. Topuria faces Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant UFC lightweight title.