Paddy Pimblett Suggests The Ultimate Fighter for Ilia Topuria Feud

UFC lightweight contenders Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria might feature in a revived season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2027.

Pimblett, who recently returned to winning ways with a submission victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329, and Topuria, a former lightweight champion, could be on a path toward a title eliminator bout.

Topuria aims to fight again this year following his loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250. If Gaethje vacates the lightweight title, Topuria could be a strong candidate for a vacant belt fight.

With other top contenders like Arman Tsarukyan also in contention for a title shot, Pimblett and Topuria could settle their long-standing animosity on camera and in the octagon.

Paddy Pimblett eyes Ilia Topuria battle on The Ultimate Fighter to hype potential grudge match

In a recent interview with Kolos MMA, Pimblett proposed addressing his rivalry with Ilia Topuria on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter.

“I don’t have a fight booked right now, but I’d love to fight Ilia Topuria. I’ll beat him so badly I’ll send him back down to featherweight,” Pimblett stated regarding Topuria.

“I think Ilia Topuria and I would make a brilliant season of The Ultimate Fighter because I’d get under his skin so much that when we eventually fight, I’d beat him as quickly as Conor McGregor beat Jose Aldo.”

“It would be a brilliant press conference, as I said,” Pimblett added. “The Ultimate Fighter would be very entertaining for at least six weeks if it was him and me.” (Translated from Bloody Elbow)

UFC CEO Dana White has previously indicated that a fight between Pimblett and Topuria would be significant enough to headline a major event. Depending on Gaethje's next move, a Pimblett vs. Topuria matchup could be the logical next step for both fighters.