Paddy Pimblett is focused on Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329, but he does not believe a long-awaited fight with Ilia Topuria will be next, even if he wins on July 11.
Pimblett doubts Topuria will return this year
Paddy Pimblett does not expect Ilia Topuria to step back into the Octagon before the year is over. Speaking with Spinnin Backfist, the British lightweight suggested the punishment Topuria absorbed during his UFC White House title defeat to Justin Gaethje will likely keep him sidelined for the remainder of the year.
“Everyone keeps saying, ‘Fight Ilia next,’”
“That man’s face is mashed up. He’s not coming back before the end of the year and I’d like to fight again before the end of the year.”
Pimblett still wants Topuria and Gaethje rematches
Despite expecting a delay, Pimblett says he still wants to settle his rivalry with Topuria.
“Ilia Topuria is a fat featherweight. He’s not a lightweight.”
“If I ever fight him, people will realize that. If he fights me, he will move back down.”
Pimblett also admitted he wants a rematch with Gaethje but knows he must earn another title shot after facing Saint Denis.