Ilia Topuria in face with Paddy Pimblett No. UFC 317. Photo: Reproduction/UFC
Even with a scheduled commitment for the UFC 324 in the fight for the interim lightweight belt (up to 70,3kg), Paddy Pimblett don't fail to mention Ilia Topuria, the reigning champion and fierce rival of the Englishman. In an interview with 'TMZ Sports' last Monday (19), Malvado made it clear that he will not follow his rival's wishes when planning his return to the octagon if he wins the fight against Justin gaethje next Saturday (24).
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When asked about a possible date for the unification, the Englishman ignored the Georgian/Spanish fighter's intention to return in April and said he would force the undisputed champion to wait for his personal deadline, similar to what Topuria did with the rest of the category.
“He’ll have to wait. He made me wait, so he can wait a few months. April’s not going to happen, man… screw it. I’ll fight in June/July,” said the Evil One.
Paddy Pimblett says he's not fighting Ilia Topuria in April if he wins this Saturday 😬
“He's gonna have to wait. He made me wait, he can wait a few months. April is not happening lad… he can eat sh*t. I'll fight in June/July.”
(via @TMZ_Sports) pic.twitter.com/7EI55qbpld
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 20, 2026
Ilia Topuria goes through a divorce proceedings with Giorgina Badell, the mother of his children. Because of this, he announced an indefinite hiatus from his career. Therefore, the interim belt was created. The Georgian/Spanish fighter has only one title fight in the lightweight division (up to 70,3kg), when he knocked out [opponent's name]. Charles of the Bronx in the first round.
After the fight, Pimblett entered the octagon and the two engaged in a brief face-off along with exchanges of taunts. Topuria even pushed his rival during the exchange.
Paddy Pimblett Focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
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