TLDR
- Paddy Pimblett says he would beat Ilia Topuria in 13 seconds, matching McGregor’s knockout of Aldo
- Pimblett recently submitted Benoit Saint Denis in 52 seconds at UFC 329
- Champion Justin Gaethje is choosing between Pimblett, Topuria, and Arman Tsarukyan for his next opponent
- Topuria lost to Gaethje in June and has been demanding a rematch while making excuses
- Pimblett prefers a title shot against Gaethje but would fight Topuria if no belt is involved
Sources: yardbarker.com
Paddy Pimblett says he would finish Ilia Topuria in the same amount of time it took Conor McGregor to knock out Jose Aldo. The Liverpool fighter told Kolos MMA he would “beat him just as fast as McGregor beat Aldo” if the two ever met in the octagon.
McGregor’s 13-second knockout of Aldo at UFC 194 remains one of the most famous moments in MMA history. The finish crowned McGregor as featherweight champion and helped launch his rise to become one of the sport’s biggest stars.
Pimblett is coming off a 52-second submission victory over Benoit Saint Denis at UFC 329. The quick finish has put him in position for a major fight at lightweight.
Paddy Pimblett reacts to Islam Makhachev’s win over Renato Moicano:
“You f***ing tapped that quick Renato? Go asleep lad. Go out on your shield. I f***ing hate that.”
🎥 @PaddyTheBaddy #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/ixLt9mDiXb
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 19, 2025
Champion Gaethje Deciding Between Three Opponents
The lightweight division is now waiting on champion Justin Gaethje to choose his next opponent. Gaethje is considering three fighters: former champion Arman Tsarukyan, Topuria, and Pimblett.
Topuria lost to Gaethje at UFC White House in June. The Georgian fighter has been pushing for a rematch and has accused Gaethje of loading his gloves during their first fight.
Pimblett dismissed Topuria’s claims completely. “He’s making excuses when he lost fair and square,” Pimblett said.
Pimblett and Topuria previously faced off in the cage after Topuria defeated Charles Oliveira to win the lightweight belt. However, a fight between the two was never scheduled.
Pimblett made it clear he would prefer a title shot against Gaethje. If the belt is not on the line, he said Topuria is the opponent he wants most.
Harsh Words for Tsarukyan
Pimblett had strong criticism for Tsarukyan, calling him a rich kid who has had everything handed to him. Tsarukyan knocked out Mauricio Ruffy at UFC 331 to strengthen his claim for a title shot.
The three contenders are now in a holding pattern as Gaethje makes his decision. Whichever fighter Gaethje does not choose could end up facing Pimblett, according to MMA Fighting.
Pimblett suggested that a season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show against Topuria would be ideal. He said the format would allow him to get under Topuria’s skin before finishing him quickly in their eventual fight.
The British fighter believes his confidence is backed up by his recent performance. His submission of Saint Denis was dominant and showed he can end fights in under a minute.
Pimblett’s comments come as the lightweight division sorts out its pecking order. With multiple top contenders vying for position, the champion’s next move will determine the landscape of the division.
Gaethje is expected to announce his decision in the coming weeks. Pimblett will face a high-profile matchup regardless of which direction the champion goes with his next title defense.
