“He’s Been Beaten”- Paddy Pimblett Believes Ilia Topuria Has Changed Following Brutal Title Loss
Paddy Pimblett is one of the biggest names in the UFC lightweight division, establishing himself as a serious title contender. The Scouser has built his reputation through impressive fighting abilities, an entertaining personality, and his willingness to engage in trash talk.
Fans are eagerly anticipating Pimblett’s potential title shot, with a possible showdown against former champion Ilia Topuria attracting significant attention. Topuria previously established himself as one of the UFC’s most dangerous fighters, dominating opponents before suffering a devastating defeat against Justin Gaethje.
Following Topuria’s loss at the Freedom 250 event, questions have emerged about whether he can regain his previous dominance. During a recent interview, Pimblett shared his thoughts on Topuria’s future, suggesting the brutal defeat could significantly change the Georgian-Spaniard.
“I don’t think Ilia ever gonna be the same. I lost my first fight when I was 18 and I had to build myself back up. He’s never lost before, and he’s about 27 or something. His whole aura was about being unbeatable and all that. Now he’s been beaten, and that’s in his head. I will prove it if I’ll end up fighting him next,” said Paddy Pimblett via All Out Fighting.
Ilia Topuria built his brand around remaining undefeated and establishing himself as one of the UFC’s best boxers. However, his defeat has raised questions, despite recently released training clips attempting to reassure fans about his fighting abilities.
Pimblett and Topuria share a longstanding rivalry, frequently exchanging insults and mocking each other online. The British lightweight contender remains eager to settle their differences inside the Octagon, while also offering fans a timeline for his potential return.
“I don’t know what’s happening at the minute. We’ll have to wait and see. Everyone in my division could be booked up. I’m never fighting in January again. If we don’t fight before the end of the year, it’ll be March or April,” continued Paddy Pimblett.
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Paddy Pimblett talks about his loss against Justin Gaethje
Paddy Pimblett started 2026 undefeated in the UFC but then lost his streak to Justin Gaethje. Following that loss, fans started questioning the fighter’s credentials to be one of the best in the current roster.
While Gaethje became the new lightweight champion, Pimblett also bounced back and beat Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329. In a recent interview, the fighter talked about how his loss against Gaethje impacted him and how it was different.
“It affected me less than the other fights I’ve lost in the past. When I lost at 18, 22, and 23, those losses affected me mentally in a terrible way. When I lost this one, I didn’t even cry. Every other fight I’ve lost has made me cry for days. This one, I knew it was just growth,” said Paddy Pimblett.
Pimblett is a huge draw, and UFC understands that very well, and according to many, he vs. Topuria is a massive fight. It would be interesting to see whether the fighter can get his hands on the title shot next year.
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