Published by: Sourav Kumar
Updated on:  Sunday, 08 June 2025

The UFC may soon witness one of its most anticipated rivalries explode inside the Octagon. UFC welterweight standout Ian Machado Garry recently declared that a potential fight between Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria could go down as “one of the biggest fights ever.” With bad blood, viral moments, and two rising superstars, all signs point to a colossal clash that fans won’t want to miss.

 The Rivalry: Where It All Began

 

The feud between Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett and Ilia “El Matador” Topuria dates back to UFC London 2022. What began as trash talk online quickly turned physical in a fighter hotel. The now-infamous incident saw Pimblett throw a bottle of hand sanitizer at Topuria, triggering a near brawl and instantly turning the two into bitter enemies.

Though they were in different weight classes at the time, the confrontation planted the seeds for a future grudge match — one that fans and fighters alike are now hoping becomes a reality.

 Changing Weight Classes Changed Everything

For a while, it looked like Pimblett and Topuria would remain in separate divisions — Pimblett at lightweight and Topuria reigning as featherweight champion. But everything changed when Topuria vacated his featherweight title in 2025 to move up to 155 lbs. He’s now set to face Charles Oliveira at UFC 317 for the vacant lightweight title, following Islam Makhachev’s jump to welterweight.

If Topuria beats Oliveira and escapes without injury, the stage could be set for a high-profile bout with Pimblett later this year.

 Pimblett’s Meteoric Rise

Despite early criticism, Paddy Pimblett has silenced doubters by delivering consistent performances and becoming one of the most marketable stars in the UFC. His recent win over Michael Chandler was the most impressive of his career, pushing him closer to title contention. Pimblett’s unique personality, charisma, and undefeated UFC streak have made him a household name in MMA circles.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Pimblett confirmed that he’s eyeing a return to the Octagon in October, potentially in Abu Dhabi. While he mentioned Justin Gaethje as a possible opponent, he also expressed interest in finally settling the score with Topuria.

 Ian Garry Weighs In

Undefeated Irish welterweight Ian Machado Garry recently gave his take on the potential superfight:

“Paddy’s been phenomenal. He’s beating everyone, looks great doing it, and is a huge star. Paddy and Ilia is a massive, massive fight. It’s stadium-level big. That’ll be one of the biggest fights we’ve ever seen.”

Garry, who’s close friends with Oliveira, remains excited about the possibility of Pimblett vs Topuria, regardless of the lightweight title situation.

 Why This Could Be a Stadium Fight

What makes this rivalry unique isn’t just the skills inside the cage — it’s the story outside of it. The viral altercation, the fan bases in Europe and Latin America, the contrast in personalities, and the high stakes all contribute to the hype. The UFC could easily host this as a main event in a stadium, likely selling out an arena in Abu Dhabi, the UK, or even Madison Square Garden.

 Final Thoughts

Whether or not Pimblett vs. Topuria happens in 2025 depends on a few factors — including Topuria’s performance at UFC 317. But if both men win their next fights and remain healthy, there’s no doubt this is the kind of grudge match that can headline a pay-per-view card and create history.

As Ian Garry put it best: “So big. So big.”

---

 FAQs

Q1: Why do Pimblett and Topuria dislike each other?
A1: The rivalry began with a physical altercation in 2022 during UFC London week, when Pimblett threw hand sanitizer at Topuria in a hotel lobby.

Q2: What division will the fight take place in?
A2: Lightweight (155 lbs). Topuria officially moved up after vacating his featherweight title.

Q3: When could Pimblett vs. Topuria happen?
A3: Possibly October 2025 in Abu Dhabi, depending on UFC matchmaking and injuries.

Q4: Who is Topuria fighting next?
A4: He’s set to face Charles Oliveira for the lightweight title at UFC 317.

Q5: What’s Pimblett’s current UFC record?
A5: Pimblett remains undefeated in the UFC and recently beat Michael Chandler.

Also read: The Rise and Reign of Whitney Cummings in Comedy