TLDR
- UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and Paddy Pimblett had a tense encounter in Qatar ahead of UFC Fight Night 265
- Both fighters are in Doha for cornering duties, with Topuria supporting his brother Aleksandre and Pimblett cornering teammates Luke Riley and Shaqueme Rock
- When Pimblett greeted Topuria from across a hotel courtyard, the champion responded by calling him a derogatory term
- The two have a history of confrontations dating back to UFC London 2022, including incidents at UFC 282 and UFC 317
- Pimblett is pushing for a title shot against Topuria, competing with Justin Gaethje and the winner of Arman Tsarukyan vs Dan Hooker
Topuria and Pimblett Exchange Heated Words in Qatar Hotel Encounter
UFC lightweight champion Ilia Topuria and contender Paddy Pimblett had another confrontation in Qatar this week. Both fighters are in Doha for UFC Fight Night 265, where they are supporting teammates competing on the card.
The incident occurred outside their hotel when the two fighters’ teams crossed paths. Pimblett greeted Topuria from across the courtyard, asking “What’s happening, you all right?” while giving him a thumbs up.
Topuria responded negatively to the greeting. The champion called Pimblett a derogatory term, prompting the British fighter to reply “Come on chorizo, calm down.”
Security personnel quickly moved in to separate the two fighters. Three large security guards blocked Pimblett from following Topuria into the hotel. The fighters never got closer than 20 feet from each other during the exchange.
History of Confrontations
This latest incident adds to a long list of encounters between the two fighters. Their rivalry began during UFC London fight week in 2022 when Pimblett threw a hand sanitizer bottle at Topuria’s head after the Georgian fighter approached him.
Several months later, security had to separate them during a UFC 282 press conference. Most recently, Pimblett entered the cage after Topuria’s victory at UFC 317, which resulted in the champion shoving him.
Topuria is in Qatar to corner his brother Aleksandre. The younger Topuria is making his second UFC appearance against Bekzat Almakhan. His first fight resulted in a victory.
Pimblett is supporting two teammates on the preliminary card. Luke Riley makes his UFC debut against Bogdan Grad. Shaqueme Rock faces Nurullo Aliev in his first UFC bout.
Title Shot Competition
Pimblett is actively campaigning for a title shot against Topuria. The British fighter’s confrontational approach has increased attention for a potential matchup between the two.
However, he faces competition for the next title opportunity. Justin Gaethje has been considered the front-runner for a championship fight.
The winner of Saturday’s main event could also enter title contention. Arman Tsarukyan faces Dan Hooker in the featured bout. A strong performance from Tsarukyan could position him for a title shot as early as January.
Topuria holds an undefeated record of 17-0. He has won all nine of his UFC fights. His most recent victory came at UFC 317.
Pimblett has a UFC record of 7-0. He has won all 22 professional fights but suffered four losses earlier in his career. His unbeaten UFC streak has raised his profile in the lightweight division.
UFC Fight Night 265 takes place Saturday at ABHA Arena in Doha. The event streams on ESPN+. The main card features the lightweight bout between Tsarukyan and Hooker.
