UFC lightweight contender Paddy Pimblett has sent a clear message to his long-standing rival, Ilia Topuria, as UFC 317 approaches.
Former UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria is scheduled to compete against Charles Oliveira for the vacant UFC lightweight championship next month at UFC 317. This highly anticipated matchup materialized after weeks of speculation regarding a potential fight between Topuria and Islam Makhachev. Makhachev ultimately chose to vacate the lightweight title to pursue a move to the welterweight division, leaving Topuria and Oliveira to contend for the belt.
As previously promised by the UFC, Topuria is receiving an immediate opportunity at lightweight gold after relinquishing his featherweight belt earlier this year. The featherweight title was subsequently won by Alexander Volkanovski following his victory over Diego Lopes at UFC 314.
Should Topuria emerge victorious over Oliveira at UFC 317 and claim the lightweight title, he will have several potential opponents for his initial title defense. A particularly compelling option is a fighter who has been linked to a confrontation with Topuria for years, stemming from a three-year-long rivalry.
Paddy Pimblett Rekindles Feud with Ilia Topuria as UFC 317 Nears
Paddy Pimblett extended his undefeated record in the UFC by securing a finish against Michael Chandler in the co-main event of UFC 314 last month. During his post-fight press conference, Pimblett called out Topuria, although he also suggested the former featherweight champion was `irrelevant` in the current lightweight title landscape.
Pimblett`s win over Chandler potentially positions him as a contender for a future title shot. He and Topuria share a contentious history, highlighted by a notable physical altercation at a fighter hotel in 2022.
While Topuria and Pimblett did share a brief, civil interaction while cornering their respective teammates at UFC 312, the tension between the two fighters remains high. As Pimblett moves closer to potentially challenging for UFC gold, a clash between the UK star and Topuria appears more probable than ever before.
Pimblett may not have a public preference for who wins the vacant title at UFC 317. However, if Topuria is the one who captures the belt, Pimblett intends to finish his long-time adversary in a decisive manner.
In a recent post on *Instagram*, Pimblett shared a photo showing him landing a head kick on Michael Chandler, accompanied by a thinly veiled message aimed at Topuria.
“Can’t wait to land one of these on el chorizo,” Pimblett wrote, using a derogatory nickname for Topuria.
As of this writing, Topuria has not publicly responded to Pimblett`s post. Topuria has not competed since knocking out BMF titleholder Max Holloway at UFC 308 in October.
Ilia Topuria Dismisses Immediate Title Shot for Islam Makhachev After Potential UFC 317 Win
The likelihood of a Topuria vs. Pimblett showdown has increased following Topuria’s recent comments regarding former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. Topuria recently stated he would not grant Makhachev an immediate title opportunity should Makhachev decide to return to the lightweight division, a remark seemingly referencing Makhachev’s apparent hesitation to face him previously.
Islam Makhachev is expected to challenge the newly crowned UFC welterweight champion, Jack Della Maddalena, later this year, with the aim of securing a second championship. Makhachev`s last fight was a win over Renato Moicano at UFC 311. The door to a welterweight title shot opened for Makhachev after Della Maddalena defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315.
The evolving title pictures in both the UFC lightweight and welterweight divisions continue to generate excitement and unexpected turns in MMA, promising thrilling contests for fight fans this summer and beyond.
