Paddy Pimblett Targets Topuria Grudge Match as Dana White Greenlights Biggest Fight

Paddy Pimblett is being lined up for the biggest fight of his UFC career, with president Dana White giving his public blessing to a blockbuster showdown against bitter rival Ilia Topuria. The potential bout, which could be preceded by a season of The Ultimate Fighter, headlines a busy period for the popular Liverpudlian as he plots his route back to title contention.

Dana White Backs Pimblett vs. Topuria Showdown

UFC boss Dana White has openly embraced the idea of a fight between Pimblett and Topuria, calling it "a good one." The endorsement significantly raises the likelihood of the grudge match being booked, potentially as a headline attraction in early 2027. White also reacted positively to Pimblett's suggestion that the pair first serve as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, stating, "I love the idea of that." The feud between the two fighters dates back to a 2022 hotel lobby incident, adding a layer of genuine animosity that would fuel a major promotional build.

Pimblett Plots Mental Warfare Using McGregor's Blueprint

Pimblett isn't just waiting for the fight; he's already planning his strategy to break Topuria before they even step into the octagon. He explicitly aims to replicate the psychological dominance Conor McGregor exerted over Jose Aldo in 2015. "I think me and Ilia would have a brilliant season of The Ultimate Fighter because I'd get under his skin so much that, when we come to the fight, I'd beat him just as McGregor beat Aldo," Pimblett told Kolos MMA. His goal is to mentally dismantle Topuria, who is recovering from a brutal title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 in June.

The Baddy Declares He'll Fight Anyone at Lightweight

While the Topuria fight is his primary target, Paddy Pimblett has made it clear he will accept any challenge in the UFC's stacked 155-pound division. He directly addressed the title picture, questioning why Arman Tsarukyan might be next in line. "I've just beat ranked [No] 5," Pimblett said, referencing his July win over Benoit Saint-Denis. "I'll just fight whoever's name gets put on a contract to me. I don't turn down any fights. If Arman gets offered to me, I'll fight him. If Ilia gets offered to me, I'll fight him. If Charles [Oliveira], if Justin, I'll fight anyone."

Teammate Loyalty Trumps Even a UFC Title

Amidst all the call-outs, there is one fighter Pimblett will absolutely never face: his Next Generation MMA Liverpool teammate, George Staines. When asked about a potential fight with the rising contender, Pimblett was unequivocal. "No, we'd never fight. Nobody in our gym does that," he stated. He described his gym mates as "more family than teammates" and said he would rather vacate a UFC championship or move up a weight class than compete against Staines for gold. This principle shows the tight-knit culture at his home gym.

Pimblett's Recent Form and the Road Ahead

Pimblett successfully rebounded from his interim title loss to Justin Gaethje at UFC 324 in January with a stunning 52-second submission of Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 329 in July. That victory re-established him as a major player in the lightweight division. Topuria, meanwhile, hasn't fought since his punishing defeat to Gaethje three months ago, with his team targeting a return in February 2027. The table below compares key details from their most recent outings.

• Key Takeaways:
• Dana White supports making the Pimblett vs. Topuria grudge match, potentially with a TUF season first.
• Pimblett plans to use Conor McGregor's psychological tactics to get inside Topuria's head.
• The Liverpudlian will fight anyone at lightweight but refuses ever to face teammate George Staines.
• Pimblett returned to winning ways with a 52-second finish in July after a January title fight loss.