Paddy Pimblett rules out Topuria
Paddy Pimblett said Ilia Topuria is unlikely to be his next opponent after UFC 329, as the June 14 medical recovery timeline could extend beyond 2026 and block a quick booking.
Topuria had two orbital fractures after facing Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C., earlier that month in the main lightweight title bout.
Paddy Pimblett questions return
Paddy Pimblett said Ilia Topuria needed more recovery time after UFC Freedom 250, and he did not expect the Spanish lightweight to compete again before 2026 ends, following the Gaethje fight.
That timing matters because Pimblett said he wants another bout before the end of 2026, leaving Topuria outside his near-future plans after the July 11 UFC 329 card in Las Vegas.
Ilia Topuria recovery delays matchup
Ilia Topuria entered the discussion after two orbital fractures during his fourth-round stoppage against Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C.
Topuria’s team suggested a return before 2026 ended remained possible, but Pimblett rejected that timeline and treated recovery as the main reason to rule out the pairing after UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
Paddy Pimblett keeps options open
Paddy Pimblett framed his next move around activity, not one rival, saying mixed martial arts changes quickly and future bookings can shift after UFC 329 on July 11 in Las Vegas.
His comment left room for another opponent later in 2026, especially if Topuria’s medical recovery keeps the former champion away from a timely lightweight return this year, without naming a specific replacement.
Benoit Saint Denis comes first
Benoit Saint Denis stands between Pimblett and a future matchup, because UFC 329 places their lightweight bout on July 11 in Las Vegas before Topuria talks can resume after that event.
Saint Denis remains Pimblett’s immediate assignment, while Topuria stays a longer-range target shaped by recovery, rankings, and Justin Gaethje’s title position after UFC Freedom 250 results in the lightweight division picture.
Justin Gaethje changed both paths
Justin Gaethje changed both fighters’ plans in 2026, since Pimblett and Topuria each entered this discussion after separate setbacks against him earlier in the UFC calendar before those rivalry questions returned.
Pimblett lost to Gaethje at UFC 324, while Topuria later left UFC Freedom 250 without his title or 17-bout unbeaten record on June 14 in Washington, D.C., at the White House South Lawn.
Ilia Topuria lost title momentum
Ilia Topuria’s 17-1 record became a central detail after Gaethje ended his unbeaten run and took the lightweight championship at UFC Freedom 250 on June 14 at the White House South Lawn in Washington, D.C.
The result changed Topuria’s immediate standing because the former unbeaten champion faces recovery questions before any path back toward Pimblett or title contention can restart in 2026 after UFC 329 in July.
Paddy Pimblett cites weight class
Paddy Pimblett also argued that Topuria belongs below 155 lb, saying weight classes exist for clear competitive reasons in mixed martial arts during comments about their rivalry and a possible future meeting.
That claim adds a size angle to the rivalry, since Pimblett presents himself as the natural lightweight while Topuria built championship status at featherweight before moving to 155 lb in UFC competition.
Ilia Topuria rivalry dates to 2022
Ilia Topuria and Pimblett’s feud dates back to March 2022, when the 2 fighters had a confrontation at a hotel before UFC London, providing early context for their public rivalry in England.
That more than 4-year history explains why fans keep asking about the pairing, even though Pimblett said the 2026 calendar makes Topuria unlikely as his next opponent after July 11.
Paddy Pimblett avoids prediction
Paddy Pimblett did not name a confirmed next opponent following Saint Denis, and he said the sport often changes before plans become official after major UFC events during public comments about his schedule.
That cautious framing keeps several 2026 options open, while the Topuria matchup depends on medical clearance, fighter availability, UFC matchmaking, and Pimblett’s July 11 result at UFC 329 in Las Vegas.
Ilia Topuria team sees quick path
Ilia Topuria’s team described his recovery outlook as promising and suggested he might still compete before the end of 2026 after the June title result against Gaethje in Washington, D.C.
Pimblett disagreed with that reading, saying Topuria was unlikely to return so quickly and should not be treated as his next booking after UFC 329.
Paddy Pimblett sees public demand
Paddy Pimblett acknowledged repeated calls for the Topuria matchup, saying many people keep naming Ilia as his next opponent after UFC 329 despite the recovery issue.
That demand reflects the rivalry’s audience value, but Pimblett’s answer prioritized timing, recovery, and his own schedule over fan pressure on the 2026 UFC calendar after the White House event.
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Paddy Pimblett leaves feud open
Paddy Pimblett’s message was clear after UFC 329 questions surfaced, because he expects the Topuria feud to remain unresolved beyond his July 11 bout with Saint Denis on the Las Vegas card.
The next step starts with Saint Denis, while Topuria’s recovery and Gaethje’s title position shape whether this rivalry returns later in 2026 for the lightweight division once medical clearance becomes clearer.
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Do you think Paddy Pimblett should wait for Ilia Topuria or move on after UFC 329 and chase another lightweight name? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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