Ilia Topuria reacts to Paddy Pimblett’s 60-second submission win at UFC 329

Ilia Topuria has set his sights on Paddy Pimblett after the Liverpool star submitted Anthony Smith in just 60 seconds at UFC 329 on 18 June.

What happened at UFC 329?

Pimblett, ranked No. 11 at featherweight, stunned the crowd inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas by forcing a first-round tap from Smith. The finish came via rear-naked choke at 1:00 of the opening round, leaving Smith unconscious on the canvas. The performance earned Pimblett a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus and sent shockwaves through the division.

Why it matters for Ilia Topuria

Topuria, the reigning UFC featherweight champion, watched from ringside as Pimblett’s rapid finish turned heads. The Georgian-Spaniard, 28, has been vocal about chasing bigger names since beating Volkanovski in April. Pimblett’s win only sharpens the appetite for a blockbuster showdown between two of the division’s most electric personalities.

Pimblett’s rise has been meteoric. He’s now 10-3 in the UFC and 16-3 overall, with eight finishes in his last nine bouts. That streak puts him in the mix for a shot at Topuria’s belt-or at least a spot in the next pay-per-view main event.

What comes next for both men?

Topuria’s next fight remains unannounced, but Pimblett’s camp wasted no time calling him out. “Ilia, you’re next,” Pimblett told reporters after the fight. “I’m coming for you.” The callout sets up a potential social-media firestorm and a booking headache for UFC matchmakers, who must now weigh Pimblett’s momentum against Topuria’s championship status.

For Pimblett, the win is a statement. For Topuria, it’s a reminder that the division’s hierarchy is fluid. A clash between the two would headline a card in late 2026, if the UFC greenlights the fight. Until then, both men will train-and talk.