Pimblett: 'I genuinely think I'd beat' Topuria

There was a time when Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett seemed to be on a collision course.

They've gone in separate directions over the last two years, though, with Topuria becoming the UFC featherweight champion and Pimblett emerging as a top-15 lightweight contender.

But after watching Topuria become the first to knock out Max Holloway at UFC 308 this past weekend in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Pimblett determined that he would still have the upper hand in a fight between the two.

"Can't wait for (Topuria) to come back up to lightweight," Pimblett said in a video published Monday on his YouTube channel. "Still think I'd beat him. I really do. ... Whether he's just beat Max Holloway or not, I still think I'd beat him, lad. By kicking him on the feet or taking him down and submitting him. I genuinely think I'd beat him."

Topuria and Pimblett got into a physical altercation ahead of a UFC event in London in March 2022. Topuria competed as a lightweight on that card, knocking out Jai Herbert, though that was his only 155-pound bout in the promotion to date. Pimblett, meanwhile, improved to 2-0 in the UFC that weekend.

Topuria's next fight is expected to be a rematch with former 145-pound champion Alexander Volkanovski. However, "El Matador" has also expressed interest in returning to the lightweight division to challenge Islam Makhachev for a second title.

Pimblett is coming off the biggest win of his career, a first-round submission of King Green at UFC 304 in July.

"Congrats, fella," Pimblett said, adding he didn't see Topuria being able to finish Holloway on the feet. "Can't wait for Volk to come back and beat you up. If he doesn't, I'm willing to anytime."