Rival announces the end of Ilia Topuria's career and asks to face former champion in the UFC: 'I would be happy'

Topuria was punished by Gaethje in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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Paddy Pimblett believes that fans witnessed a turning point in his career. Ilia Topuria during the UFC White House, held on June 14th. In the main fight, the Spaniard was defeated by Justin gaethjeThe result cost him his lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) and his undefeated record. Faced with this unmet expectation, the Briton believes the setback could have lasting impacts on 'El Matador's' performance and is already positioning himself as a possible next opponent.

In an interview with Demetrious JohnsonPimblett stated that Topuria is unlikely to return to the same level of competitiveness, highlighting that the Spaniard's confidence was directly linked to his undefeated streak.

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“I don't think Ilia Topuria "Go back to being the same. Your whole mantra, your whole mentality is built around being undefeated and believing that nobody can beat you," said Pimblett.

The Englishman further emphasized that he always believed he had the necessary tools to beat him and expressed interest in facing him upon his return to the octagon.

"That's why I always said I would beat him, and to this day I believe I would beat him. I would be happy to be his first fight back," concluded the Briton.

Paddy Pimblett has a fight scheduled at UFC 329.

Paddy Pimblett Promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

PUBLICITY:

Before considering a possible confrontation against Ilia Topuria, Paddy Pimblett He needs to turn his attention to a more immediate challenge. The Briton already has a scheduled commitment and will face... Benoit Saint-Denis No. UFC 329, an event scheduled for June 11th.

Ilia Topuria had her face transformed at UFC Casa Branca.

Ilia Topuria was defeated for Justin gaethje in the main fight of UFC White HousePhoto: UFC Europe / X

After a balanced first round, Ilia Topuria He returned for the second half determined to justify the favoritism shown at five to one against Justin gaethje No. UFC White HouseDespite landing some good punches and coming close to finishing the fight, the American held on, and the Spaniard returned for the third round already showing clear signs of fatigue.

With Topuria slowing down, Gaethje began to find his range with precise jabs and even managed to stagger the former champion with a powerful straight punch. Gradually, the Spaniard's face became deformed from the accumulated damage, until, in the break between the fourth and fifth rounds, his team opted to stop the fight.

After the fight, it was confirmed that Topuria suffered fractures to the orbital bones of her face and to her nose.