The UFC realm is abuzz with Ilia Topuria trying to get a double champion status. After knocking out the likes of Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, ‘El Matador’ is riding high on confidence. As a result, he is now eyeing a probable title fight with Islam Makhachev. Such a revelation has left the fans quite excited for the matchup. However, fellow UFC lightweight Paddy Pimblett has a contrasting opinion on the same.
Paddy Pimblett recently appeared on ‘LiveEchoLFC’. When asked about the much hyped matchup, Pimblett opined that the UFC might not give the Spaniard a chance to switch divisions this soon. He also dropped a Conor McGregor comparison to explain the situation further.
“I can’t see Ilia fighting Islam. He’s only defended the belt once… He’s not that big of a star to just jump – he’s not McGregor,” said Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett doesn’t think Ilia Topuria will get a title fight against Islam Makhachev:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 11, 2025
“I can’t see Ilia fighting Islam. He’s only defended the belt once…
He’s not that big of a star to just jump – he’s not McGregor.”
🎥 @LivEchoLFC #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/r15LMFCCcC
Well, Pimblett does have a point here. With just one title defense, Dana White might want him to prove his dominance in the division further. Moreover, there is the former champion Alexander Volkanovski waiting for his rematch as well. Speaking of the rematch, Ilia Topuria sounded quite confident of repeating his shenanigans from their first meet-up.
Ilia Topuria Oozes Confidence Against A Probable Alexander Volkanovski Rematch
When Ilia Topuria faced Alexander Volkanovski for the first time, no one expected the featherweight king to be dethroned. However, a couple of rounds into the fight Volkanovski was knocked out, making ‘El Matador’ the new champion. Now, when it is time to fight the Aussie legend once again, Topuria is oozing confidence.
“I know what’s gonna happen. Maybe next time, instead of knocking him out I will submit him… to have different types of clips,” Topuria mentioned.
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Ilia Topuria says the rematch with Alexander Volkanovski will be the same as the first fight:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 5, 2025
“I know what’s gonna happen. Maybe next time, instead of knocking him out I will submit him… to have different types of clips.” 😭
🎥 @MainEventTV #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/UCMJByzyKw
Thus, it is evident that two back to back knockouts have definitely boosted Topuria’s morale. Now, it will be interesting to see how things pan out in the future.
Also Read: UFC Commentator Urges Ilia Topuria To Follow Conor McGregor’s Path With Move To Lightweight
