Paddy Pimblett Uncovers Hurdles in Negotiations for Ilia Topuria Fight
In the world of mixed martial arts, tensions are simmering between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria. Recent comments from Pimblett suggest that negotiations for a fight may be stalling due to Topuria’s reluctance to sign a contract.
Paddy Pimblett’s Comments on Fight Negotiations
Paddy Pimblett, a fighter from Liverpool, has taken to social media to express concerns about the ongoing negotiations with Topuria. He questioned why the fight has not been finalized, implying that Topuria may be the one delaying it.
Background of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Pimblett and Topuria dates back to an incident in 2022. During a confrontation at a London hotel, Pimblett threw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria, leading to the latter receiving the nickname “Hand sanitizer boy.” Their mutual disdain for each other has only intensified since then.
Recent Fights and Rankings
- Paddy Pimblett: Record 23-3, currently ranked No. 6 in UFC lightweight division.
- Ilia Topuria: Record 17-0, recently achieved a first-round knockout of Charles Oliveira to secure the UFC lightweight title at UFC 317 held in June.
Topuria’s victory marked a significant achievement as he became the 10th fighter in UFC history to hold championships in two weight classes. He previously held the UFC featherweight title. His climb in the rankings has also seen him secure the No. 1 position in the men’s pound-for-pound rankings.
Pimblett’s Recent Performance
Pimblett’s last fight was a dominant third-round TKO against Michael Chandler at UFC 314 in April. This victory earned him a second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus, showcasing his capabilities in the octagon.
As both fighters garner attention for their rivalry, fans eagerly await developments in the potential match-up. The animosity between Pimblett and Topuria adds an intriguing layer to this already competitive lightweight division.
