Paddy Pimblett open to any top lightweight, still likes Ilia Topuria grudge match: ‘I’d love to smash his head in’
Paddy Pimblett’s grudge against Ilia Topuria is alive and well
Dublin, Ireland – 5 September 2026; UFC fighter Paddy Pimblett is open to any top lightweight opponent and still harbors a grudge against Ilia Topuria. Pimblett, known as "The Baddy," attended a retirement fight for boxing legend Katie Taylor in Dublin, Ireland, and also supported his friend Molly McCann on the preliminary card.
At UFC 329, Pimblett showcased his prowess by defeating Benoit Saint Denis in just 52 seconds, reaffirming his spot within the top 10 rankings. The Irish fighter is eager for another high-profile battle and is keeping his options open for his next matchup. Although Pimblett has a long-standing feud with Ilia Topuria, with multiple altercations outside the cage, there are no current plans for a grudge match.
Topuria recently suffered a championship loss to Gaethje, and Pimblett remains uncertain if they will face each other in the ring. Meanwhile, Pimblett is considering Arman Tsarukyan, Gaethje, Max Holloway, Charles Oliveira, and other top contenders as potential opponents in the meantime.
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