Paddy Pimblett Calls Out Ilia Topuria, Wants Fight at Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid
Paddy Pimblett has set his sights on Ilia Topuria and says he wants to face him on the biggest possible stage — the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid. The outspoken Liverpool fighter made it clear that he’s willing to step into enemy territory to make the fight happen, delivering some trademark trash talk along the way.
“I want to fight Ilia, whenever, wherever,” Pimblett said. “I’d love to come to Bernabéu and punch your face in. Do it in Spain in front of your fake countrymen, because you’re really German. I’d love to come and punch your face in, in front of 90,000 people in the Bernabéu, in enemy territory for me — because the Bernabéu is a s***hole.”
Pimblett’s comments have instantly turned heads in the MMA world, not just because of the personal jabs at Topuria, but also because of the scale of the challenge. Stadium fights are rare in MMA, and hosting an event at a venue like the Bernabéu would mark a historic moment for European combat sports. The atmosphere of 90,000 fans packed into one of football’s most famous stadiums would bring a level of spectacle rarely seen in the sport.
This callout also adds fuel to an already simmering rivalry. Topuria has been climbing the featherweight ranks with his sharp, well-rounded skill set and has a growing fanbase in Spain. Pimblett’s remarks about Topuria’s nationality are clearly meant to get under his skin and stoke tension between the two camps.
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From a stylistic standpoint, the matchup promises fireworks. Pimblett’s unorthodox striking and aggressive grappling would be tested against Topuria’s disciplined and powerful approach. Beyond the fight itself, it’s a classic clash of personalities — Pimblett’s brash showmanship versus Topuria’s composed intensity.
While it remains to be seen if such a massive event could actually come together, Pimblett’s callout has created plenty of buzz. A showdown in Madrid would be a blockbuster moment for the UFC and a defining fight for both men.
The big question now: will Ilia Topuria accept the challenge and step into the spotlight for a potential stadium fight, or will Pimblett’s vision remain just a dream?
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