Paddy Pimblett says Ilia Topuria 'feels weak' after the push at #UFC317 | ESPN MMA

ESPN MMA

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Paddy Pimblett, speaking with ESPN MMA, revisits the brief physical exchange he had with Ilia Topuria during UFC 317 fight week. He explains that the Spanish-Georgian featherweight initiated the contact by shoving him, but claims the push felt “weak,” reinforcing his belief that Topuria is physically overmatched against true lightweights. Pimblett adds that Topuria’s decision to create a scene was an attempt to manufacture hype rather than a genuine show of strength, and he laughs off the altercation as insignificant compared with the pressures of making weight and preparing for a bout on a stacked pay-per-view.

The Liverpool star maintains that Topuria’s antics will not distract him from the immediate task of winning his own fight on the card. Pimblett insists his weight cut has gone smoothly, credits his nutrition team for the stress-free preparation, and predicts an emphatic finish that will keep his perfect UFC record intact. According to Pimblett, the crowd’s energy and the visibility of fighting on an ESPN-broadcast event provide all the motivation he needs to perform, whereas “side shows” like Topuria’s push only highlight how badly others want the spotlight he already commands.

Asked whether he would consider settling the score with Topuria inside the Octagon, Pimblett says he is open to a future matchup if the Georgian is willing to move up permanently to lightweight. He dismisses Topuria’s past wins at featherweight as irrelevant to the 155-pound division and argues that his own frame, grappling strength, and ability to absorb damage would expose Topuria’s perceived shortcomings. For now, Pimblett views the rivalry as one-sided hype; he believes a victory at UFC 317 will elevate him into bigger conversations, while Topuria must first prove himself against ranked competition before earning a lucrative showdown.

Throughout the interview, Pimblett doubles down on his trademark charisma, thanking fans for their support and promising another memorable post-fight celebration if he secures a finish. He reiterates his commitment to mental-health advocacy, stating that his platform only grows with every win. Closing the conversation, Pimblett shrugs off the notion that Topuria’s push has affected him in any way, reiterating that talk is cheap, and only Octagon performances truly matter in the race toward UFC lightweight contention.

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