Forward of his return to motion at UFC 314 subsequent month, Liverpool grappler, Paddy Pimblett has welcomed the prospect to lastly settle his long-standing grudge with the unbeaten, Ilia Topuria — notably if the Spaniard is ready for a light-weight transfer later this 12 months.
Pimblett, a former Cage Warriors featherweight champion, is ready to co-headline UFC 314 subsequent month, taking over former light-weight title chaser, Michael Chandler over the course of 5 rounds in a high-stakes pairing.
And sidelined since final July, Pimblett improved on his unbeaten run within the Octagon with a formidable first spherical triangle choke over light-weight stalwart, King Inexperienced within the pair’s fundamental card conflict at UFC 304.
As for Topuria, the unbeaten featherweight champion is ready to vacate that billing come UFC 314 — with former-foe, Alexander Volkanovski competing for gold in opposition to the surging, Diego Lopes.
And with a view to a direct title cost in opposition to light-weight elite, Islam Makhachev, Topuria has but to ebook his divisional return as of but.
Paddy Pimblett presents to battle Ilia Topuria in light-weight divisional debut
Nevertheless, so far as Pimblett is anxious, a possible grudge assembly with the finisher is extra seemingly than ever — notably now together with his sights set on a light-weight climb.
He (Ilia Topuria) must beat somebody at ’55 first, the little Chorizo,” Paddy Pimblett stated at a UFC fan Q&A this weekend. “I would do the exact same thing I’m going to do to Michael Chandler. Kick him in the face or submit him. He’s a midget, lad. He’s tiny.”
“I’ve been saying it for years, I would love to fight him,” Paddy Pimblett continued. “Now that he’s moved up to ’55 it’s a real possibility. It looks like he’s sitting out just waiting for Islam (Makhachev), but I personally think I should be the one to welcome him to the lightweight division.”
