Ilia Topuria has mapped out an ‘easy’ route to the title for Paddy Pimblett.
‘The Baddy’ proved all his doubters wrong by brutalizing Michael Chandler en route to a third-round TKO win at UFC 314 in Miami, Florida, on Saturday night.
Paddy Pimblett is now ranked #8 in the lightweight division reigned over by Islam Makhachev.
Ilia Topuria recently reqlishied his featherweight belt and announced a move up to 155lbs, which could see him take on the pound-for-pound number one before potentially defending his second UFC belt against the Englishman.
Ilia Topuria predicts Paddy Pimblett vs Justin Gaethje
It’s widely believed that Pimblett is just one more big win away from a lightweight title shot.
The 30-year-old named Charles Oliveira as his ideal next opponent during a post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, during which he expressed his willingness to fight anyone in the top five, besides Arman Tsarukyan.
Topuria shares a long and bitter history with Pimblet, whom he had a hotel scuffle with in March 2022.
Still, he hopes to see him progress to championship level so they can settle their rivalry inside the Octagon.
Topuria believes Pimblett’s easiest route to the title is through former interim champion Justin Gaethje.
“I would put Justin Gaethje against Paddy Pimblett [and] me against Islam,” he said during a recent appearance on Rogan’s podcast. “Once I pass him, I get the title, and you put me against Paddy.
“I think he’s gonna [beat Gaethje] easy… He doesn’t know how to grapple, and Paddy knows how.
“Did you ever see him submitting someone? What everyone likes is to dominate people and win as soon as possible. If you had the ability to submit someone you would do it.”
Ilia Topuria wants Paddy Pimblett title fight
Conor McGregor is an opponent Topuria would be willing to face if he doesn’t get Makhachev next.
However, he says the potential grudge match with Pimblett at Real Mardrid’s 80,000-capcity stadium is much more appealing to him.
Topuria added: “What excites me more is the fight with Paddy.
“If they could put that fight in Spain, in the Bernabeu Stadium.
“I know that Dana doesn’t like to the put the events in stadiums, but that is the only stadium in the world that they can close the roof.”
