Paddy Pimblett addresses Ilia Topuria fight rumors

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Paddy Pimblett has opened up about rumors of him facing Ilia Topuria next.

It took just 52 seconds for Paddy ‘The Baddy’ to catch Benoit Saint Denis in a choke and render him unconscious. Arguably his greatest display inside the octagon against one of the division’s elite, the Brit has been in limbo since July. No fight announcement, and reportedly no talks have taken place since the 28-year-old’s showstopping performance in Las Vegas.

While comfortable enjoying life away from the octagon, Paddy Pimblett has title aspirations and is seeking the ultimate success under the UFC banner. Likely one fight away from another chance to achieve his dreams, Pimblett has been rumored to face long-term rival Ilia Topuria next.

A win in that fight would undoubtedly earn him a shot at the lightweight throne, but is the fight happening? According to Pimblett, no talks have taken place regarding any future opponents.

“I’d love to smash his head in, lad,” Pimblett said about Topuria. “But we need to wait and see… Nothing [has been discussed] yet. No one’s spoken to me about it, so we’ll see what happens.”

If a fight against Ilia Topuria doesn’t materialize, Paddy Pimblett has no shortage of potential suitors from a stacked weight class. Currently sitting at #5, Pimblett has Charles Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan comfortably in the division’s top 5 alongside him, while Mauricio Ruffy is spearheading his way into title contention; all fighters he’d love to face next.

“Arman, Gaethje, Ruffy, Charles,” Pimblett continued. “There’s loads of names. When I get told who I’m fighting, I’m sure everyone else will know.”

“Yeah, if I fight again this year, it will be December, hopefully. But we’ll see what happens.”

Check out what Paddy Pimblett had to say about the Ilia Topuria rumors in the video below.