Paddy Pimblett Claims Ilia Topuria Used His Name for Clout in Fiery Rogan Interview

Paddy Pimblett has reignited his long-running feud with Ilia Topuria, claiming the former two-division champion owes his initial fame to their rivalry. The Liverpool lightweight made the comments during a wide-ranging appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he also weighed in on the UFC 334 main event and clashed with Rogan over a potential rule change.

Pimblett says Topuria was built on his name

Pimblett is convinced his early online spat with Topuria in 2021, which escalated to a hotel altercation in March 2022, served as the launchpad for 'El Matador's' profile. "No one even knew who he was," Pimblett told Rogan. He argued that while Topuria's skills earned him titles, the speed of his ascent was artificial. "I don't think he would have been built up that fast if he didn't use my name for clout," Pimblett said. Topuria went on to win UFC featherweight and lightweight gold, suffering his first loss to Justin Gaethje in June 2026. Pimblett, also defeated by Gaethje, takes pride in not being finished by the veteran.

Why he's rooting against Josh Hokit at UFC 334

The Scouser has strong opinions on Saturday's UFC 334 heavyweight title fight between champion Ciryl Gane and challenger Josh Hokit. Pimblett is backing Gane and believes a Hokit victory would be damaging. "I think it's bad for the sport," he stated, criticizing Hokit's perceived lack of authenticity. Pimblett explained he wants Gane to win because he appreciates fighters who are genuine, not those he sees as putting on an act for attention.

Clashing with Joe Rogan over oblique kicks

A significant portion of the podcast saw Pimblett and Rogan debate fighter safety. Rogan claimed oblique kicks to the knee are on the verge of being outlawed in the UFC, framing it as a near-certainty. Pimblett pushed back against the idea of a ban. The discussion was prompted by Ian Garry's use of the technique against Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 in December 2024, which caused significant knee damage. Rogan presented the ban as a done deal, while Pimblett defended the move as a legitimate part of mixed martial arts.

• Pimblett reignited his feud with Ilia Topuria, crediting himself for the Georgian's early fame.
• He predicts Ciryl Gane will defeat Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14, 2026, arguing a Hokit win is bad for MMA.
• Pimblett debated Joe Rogan on banning oblique kicks, opposing the potential rule change Rogan suggested was imminent.
• Both Pimblett and Topuria have lost to Justin Gaethje, with Topuria suffering a TKO defeat in June 2026.